ירמיהו, פרק ו׳, פסוק ל׳

The process of moral correction reaches a dead end when a nation becomes entirely consumed by its sins, lacking both the desire and the ability to change. The primary approach among commentators compares the Israelites at this stage to impure metal that simply cannot be cleansed. Despite intense effort and labor to remove the waste and impurities, the material remains permanently ruined.

Those who truly know the people and understand the depth of their wickedness recognize them as completely rejected [רד״ק]. This reputation is fitting, as it has become impossible to separate the nation from its disgraceful actions [מצודת דוד]. God ultimately rejects them because of their stubborn refusal to abandon their evil path and improve their behavior [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Since all warnings and attempts at moral purification have failed to produce any meaningful change, the only remaining outcome for the people is their complete downfall [ביאור שטיינזלץ].