Just as thin vines are useless for making anything substantial, Jerusalem had become useless. God envisioned a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Ex 19:5,6), but reality was far from it. God would judge Jerusalem for her defiance (7,8). So, we, too, invite God’s judgment when we rebel against him.

In another analogy, Jerusalem is compared to a shameful, unfaithful wife. Just as adultery hardens a person’s heart to betray their loved one, Jerusalem hardened her heart towards God, pursuing worthless idols and false, foreign religions. God gave his chosen people his covenant, laws, promises, and prophets. He raised them to be a powerful kingdom. But they chased after foreign gods and gave their devotion to them. We also abandon our faith and reject God’s spiritual blessings to chase after contemporary idols. Our hearts become sick (30). Let’s reflect on what abominations we need to make known to the Lord (2) and repent. How have we forgotten his abundant grace and turned from God?
Application: Father, thank you for having mercy on our waywardness by sending your Son Jesus Christ. Please forgive my unfaithfulness and strengthen me to return to you with all my heart.
One Word: God punishes his wayward people to lead them back to Him