ירמיהו, פרק מ״ב, פסוק א׳

In the aftermath of the land's destruction, the surviving remnant of the nation gathers together to seek prophetic direction. The entire public, ranging from the highest military commanders to the simplest citizens, unites to approach the prophet Jeremiah [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל].

Their purpose in coming to the prophet is to consult with him and ask him to pray to God on their behalf. Acutely aware that they are now merely a small fraction of a once-great nation, they are in deep need of divine guidance. They ask that God show them the correct path to take and instruct them on the specific actions they must perform next.

This request is made with an absolute commitment to accept and obey whatever God commands. The people promise to follow His instructions regardless of whether the path ahead seems good or bad in their own eyes. This total surrender is rooted in the deep belief that obeying God will ultimately bring them good, as nothing truly harmful comes down from Him [אברבנאל].