Jerusalem would suffer God’s severe judgment and pagan nations would enslave her. Likewise, our idol worship leads to enslavement to despicable things, causing great shame and destruction. It takes only a short time for us to be corrupted (47). Then, we suffer God’s judgment. The disgrace we bear is intended to lead us to repentance.

After suffering for our sins, God promises to restore his people and keep his covenant with them. By being punished and disgraced, his people would fear the Lord. They would learn obedience through what they suffered. When they were restored, they would recognize his grace alone has atoned for their sins and given them new life.

By his holy blood shed on the cross, Jesus also washes away our sins, removes our shame, and restores us back to God as his heavenly children. May we come to Jesus for his mercy and be restored from our sins and shame to live anew as his covenant people.
Application: Father, thank you for Jesus and his infinite mercy to restore me as your child. Help me to humbly receive your training, bear your grace, and live for your glory.
One Word: God judges, humbles, and restores his people