ירמיהו, פרק מ׳, פסוק ג׳

The fall of the nation and the resulting exile might appear to be a simple military defeat, but the reality is entirely different. The destruction was not the result of military weakness, but rather the exact fulfillment of a divine decree brought about by the actions of the people. God brought and executed this disaster. The Babylonian king did not overpower the Israelites through his own strength; he acted merely as a messenger of divine providence [מצודת דוד].

The blame for this tragedy is directed at the entire public. The nation as a collective is held responsible, echoing historical rebukes where the people are called to a general soul-searching [רד״ק]. Their primary failure was a direct refusal to listen to the prophecies delivered in His name. Specifically, they ignored the divine instructions to make peace with the king of Babylon and accept his rule [מצודת דוד]. The grim reality they now face serves as a summary of their defiance. Everything unfolded exactly as God had spoken and warned them in advance [רד״ק].