Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 2:9

"Wherefore I will yet contend with you, saith Jehovah, and with your children`s children will I contend." — Jeremiah 2:9 (ASV)

Plead - The word used by the plaintiff setting forth his accusation in a law-court (see Job 33:13 note).

With you - The present generation, who by joining in Manasseh’s apostasy have openly violated Yahweh’s covenant. The fathers made the nation what it now is, the children will receive it as the present generation is now making it, and God will judge it according to how the collective working of the past, the present, and the future tends to good or to evil.