God warned and condemned the people of Judah for having a stubborn, evil will. (Jeremiah 16: 12) In the world today, many people are getting stubborn, evil, and willing to commit sins against God.
Stubborn: A donkey is a stubborn animal. Domesticating a donkey is a hard task. It hates discipline, routine, and does not easily follow instructions. God warned his people not to be like a donkey, which must be coerced and forced to do what is right. (Psalm 32:9)
Evil desires: The desires of their hearts became the priority. According to their wild, weird, and wicked imaginations they lived. They were willing to invest their time and energy, and even precious resources, to fulfil their carnal desires. The underlying principle was the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. (I John 2:16)
Worse than ancestors: The generation to whom Jeremiah ministered was worse than their previous generations. The previous generation had a hardened heart, with which they disobeyed and followed the idols, forsaking the living God. Their idol worship became more intense, more vile practices, and wickedness in society.
Refused God’s Word: The stubbornness is because of unwillingness to listen. What they heard in the Temple at Jerusalem did not sink into their minds. It was like the seeds that fell on the wayside, eaten by the birds. (Matthew 13:4)
Mercy withdrawn: God cannot pour unconditional love forever to those unrepentant, unwilling, and stubborn-hearted sinners. After several warnings, counsel, opportunities to repent, rebuke, and mild punishments, God will withdraw his mercy. Then the situation is ripe for divine judgment.
Exile: God spoke through Jeremiah that they would go into exile. God, who took them to the Promised Land, will take them away from there as captives and slaves, and they will live in a foreign land. Jeremiah mocks them, saying that they will have a 24/7 opportunity to serve foreign gods day and night. (Jeremiah 16:13) As Jeremiah foretold, the nation of Judah was exiled to Babylon for seventy years. Only after the exile did they stop idol worship for good?
Do I have a contrite heart or a stubborn heart?