To whom He said, 'This is the rest, give rest to the weary,' and, 'This is the refreshment,' yet they would not listen, establishing that God had offered Israel rest and refreshment—the basic goods of salvation—yet the people refused to heed the prophetic call. The rest and refreshment imagery suggests the peace and security that come from covenantal faithfulness and trust in God. The refusal to listen establishes the willfulness of the people's rejection, that they have been offered the good and spurned it. The oracle's connection of offered rest with the refusal of instruction suggests that the people are being called to accept a message and the way of life it entails. The rejection of this offer has consequences: since the people will not accept the offered rest, they will experience restlessness and turmoil.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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