Ezekiel 33:29
Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed. Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed.
The laying of the land most desolate is God's judgment for all the abominations committed, and by that judgment those judged will know that He is the Lord. Under His government each person is held personally responsible, for no one can obey on another's behalf and another person's neglect does not excuse neglect of one's own duty. That surrounding warning describes the spiritual condition of many in Battle Creek.
Those who permit themselves to be deceived by committing their souls to a minister instead of searching the Word of God for themselves will not be excused. The desolation signifies ruin and condemnation upon those who take the responsibility of preaching yet neglect prayerful searching of the Scriptures, entertain error, and preach false doctrines contrary to a plain divine command. Ministers charged to help church members obey the Word who instead stand in the way of obedience and warn against doing what God commanded are, while professing to be on the Lord's side, hindering others from receiving the Word and doing the enemy's work.
Such unfaithfulness will be answered for with condemnation proportionate to the influence of their words and example in leading souls into transgression, and the blood of souls who perished through them will be upon their heads. Those who take Satan's side to justify sin must bear the penalty of sin, although Christ gave His life to give them another trial to return to loyalty.