In these verses we hear complaints of the prophet, the people, and God. Jeremiah complains that his heart is sick. He sees the judgment coming and is completely devastated. The people complain that God has forsaken them. Why doesn’t he help us now? But then God himself also complains: why have you hurt me by having idols and serving other gods? Evidently, he is still there, for he answers the complaint! But it should not be taken for granted that he helps and saves. If his people serve other gods, the true God can withdraw! Once again, the people complain: we see only misery, misery as with the total failure of the harvest. And the prophet Jeremiah is devastated. He puts on sackcloth because of the terrible suffering of his people.