NOTES for Jer 4:1-31
It cannot be said that there were no people in Israel who understood that repentance could turn aside the disaster drawing near. They utter cries of repentance, yet in general these are only words; the Lord does not see a true turning in His people.
To prevent disaster and be saved from destruction, what is needed is "circumcision of the heart," an inner change that would lead to true relations with God. The prophet calls Jerusalem, and above all those who possess power, to wash evil from the heart, for evil, like a bird, has already built its nest there.
At the same time, very little time remains. Jeremiah already sees the enemy swiftly approaching and bringing devastation. But conversion is still possible. That is why the prophet's soul languishes so deeply, as he never tires of calling his people to true repentance.