“They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the Lord.”
The possibility of repentance: 'And if they learn the ways of my people and swear by my name, saying, "As surely as the LORD lives"—even as they once taught my people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among my people.' This verse indicates that the wicked neighbors, if they 'learn the ways of my people' and swear by God's name, will be 'established among my people.' The comparison to how they once taught Israel to swear by Baal invokes the irony: those who led Israel into idolatry might themselves come to faith. Theologically, this verse suggests that even enemies are capable of repentance and restoration.
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