“As for you, do not pray for this people.” God spoke personally to Jeremiah here in Jeremiah 7:16 and told him not to pray for Judah. It would only allow their evil to continue. This was not the only time God told Jeremiah not to pray for Judah, He said it two other times (Jer. 11:14, 14:11). God also told Ezekiel, who was alive at the same time as Jeremiah, that He would not hear the prayers of the people of Judah (Ezek. 8:18). There are a number of verses that say God does not answer the prayers of the wicked (cp. Job 35:12-13; Prov. 15:29; Isa. 1:15; 59:1-2; Ezek. 8:17-18; Mic. 3:4; Zech. 7:12-13; and James 4:3). Nevertheless, it seems that Jeremiah did pray for the people but complained to God that He did not hear his prayers (see Lam. 3:8, 44).

[For information on God not hearing the prayers of the wicked or honoring their sacrifices, see commentary on Amos 5:22.]