Jeremiah 11:13
For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal. For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal.
Judah's idolatry had become total and local, with as many gods as cities and as many altars to the shameful thing for burning incense to Baal as the streets of Jerusalem. The verse stands in chapters 2-11, which some divide as the prophecies written by Baruch after Jehoiakim burned the first scroll. It belongs to the clear prophecies of Jeremiah 3 through 21 that denounce sin, reveal the prophet's sorrow of heart over his people's transgression, and make touching appeals for them to return to God, which the mass of the people did not answer.
The verse belongs to Jeremiah's announcement that Israel had broken the covenant the Lord made with them when He brought them out of Egypt and had forfeited its blessings. The chapter predicts the breaking off of branches from the olive tree, the good olive tree representing the family of Abraham and Israel. Because God's ancient people continued not in His covenant, He regarded them not. This announcement of forfeiture prepares the way for the promise a few years later of a new and better covenant.
Persistent disobedience and repeated rejection of mercy bring judgment, so that in trouble the false gods served cannot save. Continued transgression reaps a just harvest: cries to God will not avert the consequences or bring health and strength to sustain in disobedience. The exile to Babylon was punishment after long patience and a final lesson in what Judah had refused to learn under more favorable conditions. The book's warnings and appeals, including this verse, are applicable to the present day.