ירמיהו, פרק ל״ז, פסוק ט׳

Facing an imminent threat, it is human nature to cling to any sign of relief, even if it is completely false. God warns the people not to fall into a dangerous self-delusion regarding the enemy forces hovering over them. The primary approach among commentators is that this divine warning is specifically about temptation and false illusions. It echoes the exact type of deceit used by the serpent in the Garden of Eden. God urges the people not to lie to themselves out of a desperate hope that the threat will simply vanish.

The people deeply want to believe that the Chaldean army will depart completely and permanently. However, God delivers a firm reality check. He clarifies that even if the enemy forces appear to be retreating momentarily, it is not a true departure. The withdrawal is only an illusion, and the army is absolutely destined to return.