ירמיהו, פרק ה׳, פסוק י״א

When a nation faces severe judgment, the reasons behind the disaster must be painfully clear. The impending punishment destined for the people is completely justified, serving as a direct and necessary response to their profound betrayal of God [רד"ק]. This failure is not a matter of a minor or isolated mistake, but rather a massive, fundamental rebellion.

This betrayal represents a total rejection of the most essential principles of faith. Through their actions, the people have completely denied God's existence, the reality of reward and punishment, and the truth of prophecy and divine instruction [מלבי"ם].

Furthermore, the guilt for this spiritual collapse is shared equally across the divided nation. Both the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah are full partners in this rebellion. The people of Judah have turned their backs on God in the exact same manner and to the exact same degree as their counterparts in Israel [מצודת דוד].