This is a key verse in this reading:

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16 And I will utter My judgments against them touching all their wickedness; in that they have forsaken me, and have offered unto other gods, and worshipped the work of their own hands.

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Now if you wish to lament the comparisons of that society to todays, that might be beneficial, don't you think?

I think Phil had it right.

The people had been warned by God, but refused to listen. Jeremiah had the task of being used by God to show His wrath with the wayward people.