The crisis demanded a public and far-reaching effort. Jeremiah was commanded by the Lord to stand in the court of the temple and speak to all the people of Judah who might pass in and out. From the messages given him he must diminish not a word, that sinners in Zion might have the 413 fullest possible opportunity to hearken and to turn from their evil ways.

Krisen krævede et landsomfattende og dybtgående indgreb. Herren befalede Jeremias at gå hen i templets forgård og tale til alle de judæere, som gik ind og ud her. Han måtte ikke udelade et eneste af de ord, som Herren gav ham at sige. Synderne i Zion skulle have den bedst mulige anledning til at høre, hvad han sagde, så de kunne afstå fra deres ondskab.