So far, statements about Judah’s evil have been only sketches. Now the people (not only Jeremiah) are commanded to investigate the moral situation by means of a citywide poll (5:1–13) to show statistically, so to speak, that the place, like Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18:23–33), totally lacks persons of integrity. And worse—people are outrightly defying the Lord. The poll gives warrant for God’s severe judgment. Were there even only one who would seek after truth, God would pardon the city! “Doing justice” (NIV “who deals honestly,” 5:1) refers to honorable and upright relationships, not only in the law court, but in every social contact or transaction. Justice is a prime requirement of God’s people. Some merely mouth the words of an oath (“As the Lord lives”). Taking the oath, however, is n…