Whereas the normal response in a covenant renewal ceremony was for the people to respond positively to the requirements of the covenant (Exodus 19:8), the Lord here reports that the people respond by saying, We will not walk in it.
In this mock liturgy
of covenant renewal the people blatantly reject both the terms and the blessings of the covenant. Even though this is probably not describing an actual covenant renewal ceremony, the point that the Lord is making is that Judah’s unfaithfulness is both deliberate and profound. They have indeed rejected the Lord himself.
16 Ainsi parle l'Eternel: Placez-vous sur les chemins, regardez, Et demandez quels sont les anciens sentiers, Quelle est la bonne voie; marchez-y, Et vous trouverez le repos de vos âmes! Mais ils répondent: Nous n'y marcherons pas.