ירמיהו, פרק ל״ה, פסוק ט״ו

Throughout the generations, God repeatedly reached out to His people with an urgent plea to correct their behavior so they could continue to live securely in their homeland [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Whenever the people strayed, He eagerly and persistently sent prophets to guide them back on the right path [מצודת דוד].

The prophets delivered a message demanding immediate change [מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד]. They outlined a clear, two-step process for repair. First, the people needed to abandon their harmful paths, which meant stopping the violation of negative commandments. Second, they were required to actively improve their behavior by fulfilling positive commandments [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם]. In addition to this general call for better conduct, the prophets specifically warned the people against following other gods. Idolatry is singled out from all other wrongdoings because engaging in it is considered equal in severity to violating all other commandments combined [רד״ק].

The promise accompanying this call to action was clear. If the people would change their ways, they would be rewarded with the ability to safely remain and thrive upon the land that was promised to them [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Despite these persistent warnings, the people responded with absolute refusal. The description of their rejection highlights a specific progression of disobedience. Normally, a failure to fully listen is noted before a failure to simply pay attention, as paying attention is a lesser action. Here, however, the order reflects two distinct forms of rejection. Their lack of attention demonstrates how they completely ignored the prophets who came to correct them. Their lack of listening represents an even deeper rebellion: a total refusal to obey the teachings of the Torah given directly by God [מלבי״ם].