Vv. 20-24 God leaves the people who would not let go of their stubbornness to to carry out their vows. They will not be able to make their vows in the name of God and will be destroyed with the sword and the famine. All but a small number of people, who will be witnesses to the fulfillment of the judgment, will be exterminated. He will give them a sign by handing Pharaoh, king of Egypt over to his enemies, just as he handed Zedekiah over to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Is it time to listen to his warning before God gives up on us?
What lesson is God teaching me?
Vv. 15,19 The women offered sacrifices to the Queen of Heaven. According to the law, a woman could make a vow with her husband’s permission (Numbers 30:7-16). Even though the women participated in idol worship, they were quick to point out that they were keeping the law. It is syncretism: an attempt to reconcile contrary beliefs. We can compromise by carefully adhering to the Christian image, yet practice religion for our own benefit and not for the glory of God. Examine if there is any syncretism in our family or church.
Vv. 16-18 They said ‘whether… we will obey’ (42:5,6) before, but now they say, ‘we will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord.’ Their standard of judgment was visible prosperity and success. When they worshipped idols, they led a comfortable life. But when they stopped worshipping idols with the reformation of Josiah, they lost the war and had famine. Feel-good theology is currently popular. Do you listen with interest to the testimony that if you believe in God, everything will go well?
Please help me to stop being stubborn and worshipping idols.
