Jeremiah 25-28

“Perhaps they will listen and everyone will turn from his evil way, that I may repent of the calamity which I am planning to do to them” (26:3). God did not send Israel into exile the first time someone broke the Sabbath, or murdered, or committed adultery. In fact, He sent prophets “again and again” (25:4) during the generations after Solomon, not wanting to punish His people, longing for them to repent. Instead, their evil grew more pervasive.

God is “not willing that any should perish.” He is not quick to punish, but is quick to forgive, because He loves us.