God in his mercy sent Jeremiah, the prophet, to speak a word of mercy to the people of Israel, calling them back to fidelity to their covenant with God. They had strayed from the commands of the Lord, like their ancestors.  But God is rich in mercy, reaching out to his Chosen people again and again, in spite of their past, and reflecting the glory of his love and mercy.

With these words of mercy also came words of consequence, if they refused to repent and return to the Lord.  The leaders of the people refused to heed the prophetic words of Jeremiah and refused to accept the reality of the consequences.  As long as they gave lip service to God through external services, they felt that they were pleasing to God.