2:6 all these. Judah and all those that suffered under the Babylonian oppressor. The prophecies of woe in vv. 6–20 are depicted in such general and proverbial terms that they acquire a universal applicability to the struggle of the persecuted righteous against the wicked.

Woe. The Hebrew word is apparently an interjection derived from the funeral lament (sometimes rendered “Alas,” 1 Kin. 13:30), but is often used in prophecies of judgment.

pledges. The heavy tribute exacted by the Babylonians is figuratively depicted as articles taken in security for debts.