Judah’s unfaithfulness leaves her defiled and unable to appear before the Lord. As judgment comes closer and closer, the only hope for the nation is if they can somehow be made clean. The external reforms that Josiah brought about have done nothing to remove the defilement that lies deep in the hearts of the people. Jeremiah’s question, How long will it be before you are made clean?
is a plea for the people to recognize their uncleanness and to do something about it. But it is also an expression of despair because repentance seems impossible and judgment inevitable. However, as hopeless as the situation is, his question points the reader to the promise of a day of restoration (see Jeremiah 31:31–34). It is through judgment that the Lord is going to cleanse his people of their unfaithfulness.
27 I have seen your abominations, your adulteries and neighings, your lewd whorings, on the hills in the field. Woe to you, O Jerusalem! How long will it be before you are made clean?”