Jeremiah 34:7

“When the king of Babylon’s army fought against Jerusalem, etc.] Had laid close siege to it, and still continued it: and against all the cities of Judah that were left; unconquered by him; when he invaded the land, he fought against, and took, and ravished all the cities that lay in his way; and it seems there were none that stood out against him but Jerusalem, now besieged by him, and two others, next mentioned: against Lachish, and against Azekah; for these defenced cities remained of the cities of Judah; two cities that had been fortified by Rehoboam, (<141109>2 Chronicles 11:9); and were the only ones besides Jerusalem, which as yet had not fallen into the hands of the king of Babylon.”

“these . . . retained--alone (compare Ch2 11:5, Ch2 11:9).”

“This marks the exact time, that it was early in the campaign, while the outlying fortresses still occupied the attention of Nebuchadnezzars army. Lachish and Azekah were strong cities in the plain toward Egypt and must be taken before the Chaldseans could march upon Jerusalem: otherwise the Egyptians might collect there and fall upon them. return to 'Top of Page'”

“fought against: Jer 34:1, Jer 4:5, Jer 8:14, Jer 11:12; Deu 28:52 Lachish: Jos 10:3, Jos 10:11, Jos 12:11, Jos 15:35, Jos 15:39; Kg2 18:13, Kg2 18:14, Kg2 19:8; Mic 1:13 for: Ch2 11:5-10, Ch2 27:4 Jeremiah 34:8”