But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation.
If these words are not heard, the royal house will become a desolation, and its continued security will be lost for refusal to hear and obey. The warning is spoken to the king of Judah together with his servants and the people, whose refusal brings the threatened end upon the house. In this desolation is shown that promised blessing is made conditional on obedience, and that the fulfillment of the promises depends on heeding the commands.
The obedience so required is to uphold justice, to rescue the oppressed, and to refrain from wrong and violence. The commandments thus imposed are given for the good of the people and for their protection. To keep them is to receive life and blessing and reward.
If these words are not heard, the royal house will become a desolation, and its continued security will be lost for refusal to hear and obey. The warning is spoken to the king of Judah together with his servants and the people, whose refusal brings the threatened end upon the house. In this desolation is shown that promised blessing is made conditional on obedience, and that the fulfillment of the promises depends on heeding the commands.
The obedience so required is to uphold justice, to rescue the oppressed, and to refrain from wrong and violence. The commandments thus imposed are given for the good of the people and for their protection. To keep them is to receive life and blessing and reward.