ירמיהו, פרק ל״ו, פסוק ז׳

The threat of impending doom carries a profound purpose: to shake the people awake. By confronting prophecies of divine wrath, the hope is that the nation will be moved to genuine submission, prayer, and an abandonment of their sinful ways, ultimately averting disaster. When they absorb the severe prophetic warnings, their hearts might finally be humbled [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This newfound humility naturally leads to a specific kind of prayer. When they approach God, their pleas are offered in a state of falling, an imagery of downward bending that reflects a profound sense of lowliness and a broken spirit [מצודת ציון]. The public reading of these prophecies serves to elevate their spiritual awareness beyond their immediate struggles. While the people might already be crying out in response to their present hardships, the true goal is to direct their attention forward. By praying and repenting now, they can address what is yet to come, because future decrees can still be reversed and repaired through a sincere return to God [מלבי״ם].

This spiritual awakening is absolutely critical because of the sheer magnitude of God's anger [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He has already decreed severe punishments concerning the people for their future [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם]. Therefore, their immediate submission is their only hope to cancel the looming disaster.