Charles Ellicott Commentary Jeremiah 26:3

"It may be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way; that I may repent me of the evil which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings." — Jeremiah 26:3 (ASV)

If so be they will hearken ... —The threat that follows in Jeremiah 26:6 is a very terrible one, but it is uttered in order that it may not be realised. So in the same spirit St. Paul warns men of his power to inflict a supernatural punishment, yet prays that he may have no occasion to use it (2 Corinthians 13:3–10).