# General Information:
In these verses, "this people" refers to the people of Judah.
# do not pray for this people, and do not lift up a cry of distress or say a prayer on their behalf, and do not petition me
Yahweh wanted the people to repent. This statement, and the others that follow, may be taken in another way. They are intended to show that it is too late for the people, and their punishment will come regardless of their response.
# lift up a cry of distress
"cry out with sadness"
# on their behalf
"for their benefit" or "for them"
# petition me
"plead with me"