Israel had been brought out of other nations, and Jerusalem once belonged to other nations. Israel was acting just like them. The countries that attacked her and saw her demise would say she was no different from anyone else.
Israel despised Samaria, yet she was worse than Samaria. When Jesus was on earth He often used Samaria as an example to show that she was more righteous than "pure" Israel. Israel is also compared unfavourable to Sodom, again Jesus did this on occasion. Social injustice in Sodom is highlighted here, rather than sexual perversion. Sexual sins and social injustice sins will often go together, and both are equally important.
Israel considered herself better than others, but in reality all she did was make other nations look better than they were because of her own unrighteousness.
God then speaks of restoring the nations, this includes Sodom and Samaria. Indeed these peoples are mentioned ahead of Israel. This of course is what has happened with the gospel, though we do well to remember that eventually Israel too will be saved.
Israel would suffer the consequences of her actions, but God would not forget His covenant, and would restore Israel. There are hints here of a new covenant. Israel was proud of herself, but she had no right to be so. Restoration would come, but it would come only because if the atonement that God would make, and because of His covenant. There would be no room for boasting on Israel's part.
Israel despised Samaria, yet she was worse than Samaria. When Jesus was on earth He often used Samaria as an example to show that she was more righteous than "pure" Israel. Israel is also compared unfavourable to Sodom, again Jesus did this on occasion. Social injustice in Sodom is highlighted here, rather than sexual perversion. Sexual sins and social injustice sins will often go together, and both are equally important.
Israel considered herself better than others, but in reality all she did was make other nations look better than they were because of her own unrighteousness.
God then speaks of restoring the nations, this includes Sodom and Samaria. Indeed these peoples are mentioned ahead of Israel. This of course is what has happened with the gospel, though we do well to remember that eventually Israel too will be saved.
Israel would suffer the consequences of her actions, but God would not forget His covenant, and would restore Israel. There are hints here of a new covenant. Israel was proud of herself, but she had no right to be so. Restoration would come, but it would come only because if the atonement that God would make, and because of His covenant. There would be no room for boasting on Israel's part.
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