In this passage, God warns of his judgment on their disobedience. The Lord describes a progression of rebellion and the punishment he would bring upon them, making it seven times worse. (Why seven? It might mean it was his perfect will.) He would bring sudden terror, disease, and famine upon them. Their enemies would defeat them and rule over them. The country would suffer complete destitution. Packs of wild animals would attack them and their children. Their cities would be besieged. They would starve, and out of desperation, they would eat their own children (2Ki 6:26-29). Finally, his people would be carried off from the promised land into exile as prisoners of war. They will lose their freedom again and become slaves. It was a sign that God was against his people and they were suffering under his wrath on account of their sins.

Exactly as the Lord warned in this passage, his people hardened their hearts towards him and left him out of their lives and gave into idol worship. They were carried into exile. God's desire was to bring them to repentance and to restore them. God never forsakes them, but increases the measure of punishment to humble them and to reform them. It was a sign of his love.


Application: Father, you discipline those you love. Help us to repent our rebellion against you.
One Word: God disciplines those he loves; heed his warning before it is too late.