ירמיהו, פרק ל״ה, פסוק י״ז

The consequence of stubbornness and the failure to learn from the faithfulness of others ultimately brings about inevitable disaster. The people of Judah and Jerusalem faced severe punishment because they ignored clear warnings and refused to draw moral lessons from the loyalty shown by those around them [מצודת דוד]. As a direct result of this willful ignorance, God brings upon the people the exact disasters that were already destined for them, which the prophets had warned them about well in advance.

The primary approach among commentators is that this retribution serves as a direct response to the people's refusal to listen when God spoke to them. God actively called out to the nation, urging them to return to Him in repentance. However, His plea was met with complete silence and remained entirely unanswered [מצודת דוד].