Jeremiah 14:11-12

Jeremiah 14:11-12

[11] Then said  the LORD  unto me, Pray  not for this people  for their good.  [12] When they fast,  I will not hear  their cry;  and when they offer  burnt offering  and an oblation,  I will not accept  them: but I will consume  them by the sword,  and by the famine,  and by the pestilence. 

What does Jeremiah 14:11-12 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The Lord further instructed Jeremiah not to pray for Him to turn back from punishing them (cf. Jeremiah 7:15; Jeremiah 11:14). Fasting and presenting sacrifices would not move Him to change, either (cf. Jeremiah 5:12; Jeremiah 14:15; Jeremiah 27:8; Jeremiah 29:18; 2 Samuel 24:22-25; Isaiah 51:19). He had determined to destroy them with the sword, famine, and disease, the classic trio of war accompaniments. This is "tough love."
"A theological question is raised as to whether it is ever proper to give up praying for anyone. Perhaps one may pray for them to come to repentance by way of divine judgment, but breach of covenant leads unerringly to divine judgment." [1]