“Merathaim...Pekod.” These are towns in Babylon, picked because of their names and used in reference to the whole of the country of Babylon. “Merathaim” means “Double Rebellion” and “Pekod” means “Punishment.”

“devote them to destruction.” That is, devote them as an offering to Yahweh and destroy them. [For more on things “devoted” to Yahweh and devoted to destruction, see commentary on Josh. 6:17].