15 This same Hebrew phrase “the habitation of righteousness” is found in Jer 31:23 in relation to Jerusalem in the future as “the place where righteousness dwells.” Here, however, it refers to the same entity as “their resting place” in v. 6 and means “true pasture.” For the meaning of “pasture” for the word נָוֶה (naveh) see 2 Sam 7:8 and especially Isa 65:10 where it is parallel with “resting place” for the flocks. For the meaning of “true” for צֶדֶק (tsedeq) see 841 צֶדֶק 1. For the interpretation adopted here see G. L. Keown, P. J. Scalise, T. G. Smothers, Jeremiah 26–52 (), . The same basic interpretation is reflected in , , and God’s Word.
16 Heb “fathers.”
17 These two verses appear to be a poetical summary of the argument of Jer 2 where the nation is accused of abandoning its loyalty to God and worshiping idols. Whereas those who tried to devour Israel were liable for punishment when Israel was loyal to God (2:3), the enemies of Israel who destroyed them (i.e., the Babylonians [but also the Assyrians], 50:17) argue that they are not liable for punishment because the Israelites have sinned against the Lord and thus deserve their fate.

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

All who found them have devoured them, and their enemies have said, ‘We are not guilty, for they have sinned against the Lord, their habitation of righteousness, the Lord, the hope of their fathers.’

NIVNew International Version (2011)

Whoever found them devoured them;

their enemies said, ‘We are not guilty,

for they sinned against the Lord, their verdant pasture,

the Lord, the hope of their ancestors.’

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Whoever found them devoured them.

Their adversaries said, “We’re not guilty;

instead, they have sinned against the Lord,

their righteous grazing land,

the hope of their ancestors, the Lord.”

NLTNew Living Translation

All who found them devoured them.

Their enemies said,

‘We did nothing wrong in attacking them,

for they sinned against the Lord,

their true place of rest,

and the hope of their ancestors.’

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

All those who found them have devoured them.

And their foes have said, ‘We are not guilty,

because they have sinned against Yahweh, the true pasture,

even Yahweh, the hope of their ancestors.’

KJV 1900King James Version

All that found them have devoured them:

And their adversaries said, We offend not,

Because they have sinned against the Lord, the habitation of justice,

Even the Lord, the hope of their fathers.

Public Domain