The Lord’s anger burned toward His people because they continued to turn from Him. Jeremiah pleaded with God to show him mercy. The Lord said He would show Jeremiah mercy, and the people would fight against him without success. The Lord told Jeremiah He would destroy those who turned from Him and followed the ways of their fathers. They worshipped other gods and ignored the Lord. Jeremiah was instructed to share this message with the people, but not to have fellowship with them, or mourn them. The Lord promised there would be a time He would restore Israel and bring His people back to their rightful place.