3:6
It was not as though Israel, or more specifically Jerusalem here, had not been given any warning. She had seen God judge other nations for their evil practices. Indeed, the reason the other nations were evicted from the Promised Land was because of their persistent evil behaviour. Yet Jerusalem did not think that she would be treated likewise if she behaved in the same manner. It is such a human reaction that when we see others sin and suffer the consequences we do not make it our first priority to consider our own behaviour and ask ourselves if we need to change.
3:7,8
Moreover, God had disciplined Israel, but she never learned from correction. Instead she persisted in acting corruptly. Sin is so deep rooted in us. So calamity would come upon her. But the final outcome is rather surprising, as will start to be revealed in the next verse. Here the people are told to wait for the Lord. God will testify. Men are full of their opinions and ideas, but a day will come when the Lord’s “opinions” will be heard. He will assemble all the nations together for judgement, for the pouring out of His wrath. This reminds us of the battle of Armageddon in Revelation (Rev 16:16). So how is this going to help Israel? We will have to wait until the next verse!
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