Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 9:8

8 Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.

Before ver. 3. it was compared to a bow, i. e. ready prepared, and furnished with materials contriving their wickedness, Psa. 11.2. and here to an arrow shot out, actually executing what they have designed, some translate it a murthering arrow.

Never speaking what they mean, that thereby they may the easier deceive the credulous, a double tongue, speaking fair, when they mean to destroy, Psal. 55.21. as the next words explain it, intending to do the greatest mischief, when they speak fairest.

Heb. in midst of him, i. e. in his very in[illegible: 1 letter]wards, with his whole heart he contrives mischief.

Marginal references: Psal. 12.2. & 120.3.; Psal. 28.3.; Heb. in the midst of him.; Or, wait for him.