For when any Israelite or any foreigner dwelling in Israel separates himself from Me, sets up idols in his heart, and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me, I the LORD will answer him Myself.

For this is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live!

and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.”

When they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him.

God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.