Jeremiah 15:2
And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.
The declaration came only after Judah had been granted time to repent and had refused to turn from its course. Persistent sin had carried the nation past the point where even intercession could avert the judgment hanging over it. The fates appointed for the people were fixed and fourfold: some to death, some to the sword, some to famine, and some to captivity. God would not exert His power to raise up a standard against their enemies on their behalf.
Every part of His word spoken against the nation was fulfilled without fail. In refusing His offer of mercy, the impenitent nation brought upon itself judgments like those that had already fallen upon the northern kingdom of Israel. The same principle warns that in the last days those who persist in evil will reap the reward of their own stubbornness. God may likewise withdraw His prospering hand from institutions that have not repented.