The Destroyer of the Gentiles

[Exegete12]

What does it mean the destroyer of the Gentiles in Jeremiah 4: 7?

"The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant."

Who is the lion here?
Who are the Gentiles mentioned here?

Thank you.

 

[Adoniram]

Jeremiah is warning Israel, in chapter 4, of God's judgment (the 70 years of captivity) through the coming invasion by Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon. The lion in verse 7 represents Nebuchadrezzar, and "destroyer of Gentiles" refers to the fact that he has amassed his empire by conquering not only Israel, but all the surrounding Gentile nations as well. Compare this to Jer. 25:9.