The prophet Jeremiah is deeply moved by the unrepentant people and the coming punishment of God. In these verses he expresses a deep and bitter lament. He is not an impassive preacher, just passing on the message of God. It touches and shocks him deeply. He also feels one with his people. Thus, he is on God’s side, of whom he must speak, as well as on the people’s side, with whom he suffers. He is torn in two.