Jeremiah 7:23

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

God's fundamental covenant command to Israel was to obey His voice and to walk in all the ways He had commanded, wholeheartedly and completely. That obedience was inseparable from belonging to Him, for as they heeded Him He would be their God and they would be His people. Joined to that obedient relationship was well-being, that it might go well with them, with His favor following obedience to His voice and to the light He gives.

That promised well-being depended on faithful obedience, not on sacrifices or on confidence in religious privileges. Trust in the temple and in rites and ceremonies could not atone for sin nor save while transgression continued. Israel and Judah refused to listen and repeatedly broke that covenant by following the counsels and desires of their own evil hearts. In doing so they went backward rather than forward.

God delayed judgment to give them another chance to repent and repeatedly sent prophets to warn them. This was because Satan was actively seeking to deceive people and to lead them away from obedience to God's law. Only thorough reform of heart and life could avert the coming doom.

The same command applies to those entrusted with responsibility, including leaders, who ignore God's principles and follow their own desires and judgment instead of relying on His wisdom and power. Its principle that favor follows obedience applies also to humble, contrite service.

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