The final statement—that God will punish them according to the fruit of their doings and will kindle a fire in the forest of the city—shows that the people's own actions have created the condition for judgment. The image of fire consuming the city emphasizes the totality and irresistibility of coming judgment. The verse concludes by showing that the prophetic message, rejected and scorned, will nevertheless be fulfilled in its entirety.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse