Why does the Lord stand afar off? As it is written (Zechariah 7:13), "And it came to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear." Rabbi Yochanan said: The Divine Presence stood on the Mount of Olives for three and a half years and cried out (Isaiah 65:2), "I am sought of them that asked not for Me; I am found of them that sought Me not." But they did not pay attention, as it is said (ibid. 66:4), "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them."
Rabbi Chanina offered a parable: It is like a caravan that was traveling on a road. When it became dark, the captain said to them, "Enter into the inn for fear of a wild beast and of robbers." But they replied, "It is not the custom of caravans to enter into inns, even if it be day." Later that night, they were attacked by robbers.
When they returned to the innkeeper and asked him to open the door for them, he refused, saying, "It is not the custom of inns to open their doors at night, nor to receive guests at that time." Therefore, when I wanted to let you in, you refused, and now that you want to enter, I cannot let you in. Similarly, the Holy One, blessed be He, said, "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6).
But they did not seek Him. When they were handed over to the Gentiles, they began to cry out, "Why does the Lord stand afar off?" The Holy One, blessed be He, said to them, "When I sought you, you did not seek Me. Now that you seek Me, I do not listen to you."
Measure for measure. Thus it is said (Zechariah 7:13), "And it came to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear." Perhaps this will be the case forever, God forbid, until the end of all ages and even beyond....