The contrast

12Then the word of Yahweh came to Yirmeyahu, saying,

13Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, ‘Will you not receive instruction by listening to my words? declares the LORD.’

14The words of Jehonadab son of Rechab, which he commanded his sons—not to drink wine—have been upheld, and they have not drunk wine to this day, because they have obeyed the command of their father. But I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, and you have not listened to me.

15And I sent to you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, ‘Please turn back, each man from his evil way, and make your deeds good, and do not go after other gods to serve them. Then dwell in the land that I gave to you and to your fathers.’ But you did not incline your ear or listen to me.

16For the sons of Jehonadab son of Rechab have kept the command of their father that he commanded them, but this people have not listened to me.

17Therefore, thus says Yahweh, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing on Judah and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the disaster that I have spoken against them, because I spoke to them and they did not listen, and I called to them and they did not answer.