Extreme measures

 Jeremiah 16:19–21 (ESV)

19O LORD, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge in the day of trouble, to you shall the nations come from the ends of the earth and say: “Our fathers have inherited nothing but lies, worthless things in which there is no profit.
20Can man make for himself gods? Such are not gods!”
21“Therefore, behold, I will make them know, this once I will make them know my power and my might, and they shall know that my name is the LORD.”

The only way God could change the rebellious attitude of the people was to drive them out of the Promised Land into the hands of the Babylonians who served gods made by human hands. The land of Israel was given to Abraham as the inheritance God wanted them to inhabit and enjoy. Losing the land and become captives of another nation was their punishment designed to bring grief and loss that would compel them to repent. It was an extreme measure that God used to get the attention of the people and cause them to turn away from the lies of the false prophets who led them astray. Israel was God's chosen people who were to declare his glory to the nations, but they failed to be the people he called them to be. Their failure was met with God's power and might that drove them out of their homes and land. The sacred nation was going to be a scattered nation. Many would never return to the Promised Land and would be scattered throughout the world. Only a remnant would return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the city after 70 years of captivity.