ירמיהו, פרק כ״ב, פסוק כ״א

God's relationship with the Israelites is marked by a recurring pattern of rebellion that often surfaced during times of profound peace. Throughout history, the nation experienced many eras of quiet and security as a result of their good deeds. However, when they began to sin from within that comfort, God did not abandon them. Instead, He reached out, sending His prophets to ask the people to return to Him while they were still dwelling safely [מצודת דוד, רד״ק].

Despite these divine appeals, the people responded with a complete lack of interest, refusing entirely to listen to His words [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This stubbornness was not a sudden shift in behavior. Rather, it was a deeply ingrained habit that had accompanied the nation since its earliest days, from the very moment God chose them to be His people [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This early stage of development is traced back specifically to the generation of the wilderness. That era served as the nation's youth, the foundational time when they were just beginning to form as a unified people, serve God, and take on His commandments [רד״ק].