And the Lord said to me: Pray not for this people for their good.
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֵלָ֑י אַל־תִּתְפַּלֵּ֛ל בְּעַד־הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּ֖ה לְטוֹבָֽה׃
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Jeremiah persistently interceded for the people, yet he condemned the false prophets for downplaying the severity of the people's sins, declaring, 'False prophets deceive this foolish people.' In response, the Lord rejected his petitions and declared His intention to bring judgment upon both the false prophets and the wicked individuals.
The Lord instructed me, saying, "Do not intercede for this people for their well-being. When they fast, I will not listen to their supplications, and if they present burnt offerings and sacrifices, I will not accept them, for with sword, famine, and pestilence, I will bring about their destruction." It is unwise to pray for one who has committed a sin that leads to death, as stated in the words of John: "There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that" (John 5:16). While all wrongdoing is sin, there are sins that do not lead to death.
Acts of fasting, prayer, sacrifices, and burnt offerings have significance when we turn away from our sins and grieve over our past transgressions; however, if we persist in sin and believe we can redeem ourselves through promises and offerings, we are fundamentally mistaken, as if God were unjust. For anyone destined for the sword, famine, and pestilence cannot be rescued by prayer; hence, the prophet is advised not to pray futilely for what cannot be requested.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS