But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
But My people would not hearken to My voice, and Israel would none of Me, means Israel refused to listen to God's voice and would have none of Him, forgetting Him and turning away from following Him. Their rejection came despite the blessings He had given them, and because they forgot Him they were scattered and suffered loss. Because they refused, as verse 12 adds, God gave them up to their own desires and to the lusts of their own hearts, to walk in their own ways and counsels.
Had they listened and walked in His ways, He would gladly have subdued their enemies and provided abundantly for them, so by refusing His invitations they forfeited deliverance and provision. Balaam illustrates this refusal: forbidden to go to curse Israel for reward, he was blind to God's warning and, eager for Balak's reward, persisted in the forbidden course. When greater inducements were offered he asked a second time and was permitted to go.
The verse warns against setting aside a duty already made clear by circumstances, reason and facts because it conflicts with natural inclination, desire for gain, personal fancy and the solicitations of friends, then praying long and earnestly for light in order to obtain permission to take the opposite course. The proper response to clear duty is humbly to ask God for strength and wisdom to do what is required, not to seek permission to avoid obedience. God will not be trifled with: when people press Him with a strong inclination to have their own way He permits them to have it and to suffer the results.
That course grieves His Spirit, and the earnest feeling, success and wonderful experience they claim afterward is self-deception mistaken for His leading, not true guidance. The same warning applies to churches and individuals now who forget God and reject His invitations and appeals, though He would gladly count them among the saints.
But My people would not hearken to My voice, and Israel would none of Me, means Israel refused to listen to God's voice and would have none of Him, forgetting Him and turning away from following Him. Their rejection came despite the blessings He had given them, and because they forgot Him they were scattered and suffered loss. Because they refused, as verse 12 adds, God gave them up to their own desires and to the lusts of their own hearts, to walk in their own ways and counsels.
Had they listened and walked in His ways, He would gladly have subdued their enemies and provided abundantly for them, so by refusing His invitations they forfeited deliverance and provision. Balaam illustrates this refusal: forbidden to go to curse Israel for reward, he was blind to God's warning and, eager for Balak's reward, persisted in the forbidden course. When greater inducements were offered he asked a second time and was permitted to go.
The verse warns against setting aside a duty already made clear by circumstances, reason and facts because it conflicts with natural inclination, desire for gain, personal fancy and the solicitations of friends, then praying long and earnestly for light in order to obtain permission to take the opposite course. The proper response to clear duty is humbly to ask God for strength and wisdom to do what is required, not to seek permission to avoid obedience. God will not be trifled with: when people press Him with a strong inclination to have their own way He permits them to have it and to suffer the results.
That course grieves His Spirit, and the earnest feeling, success and wonderful experience they claim afterward is self-deception mistaken for His leading, not true guidance. The same warning applies to churches and individuals now who forget God and reject His invitations and appeals, though He would gladly count them among the saints.