The address to the wicked and the command that they not declare God's statutes establishes a distinct section addressing those who violate covenant. The reference to the wicked suggests those who have abandoned righteous behavior despite their covenant relationship. The prohibition against declaring God's statutes suggests that the wicked have claimed rights to speak for God and teach divine law despite their failure to observe it. The implication is that the wicked's proclamation of God's law while living wickedly constitutes hypocrisy and blasphemy. This verse shifts from addressing the covenant community to addressing the wicked within and perhaps outside the covenant.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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