For 450 years God had lovingly sent His prophets to plead with the nations of Israel and Judah – His chosen people – to turn away from their sin and return to following His ways. But even after repeated admonitions, pleadings, and clear warnings, the Lord’s stubborn children just would not listen.
So God, like a loving parent, finally let them suffer the consequences of their sin – their enemies overpowered both Israel and Judah. The land that God had helped them conquer under Joshua was taken away from them. The peace and prosperity and freedom that they had enjoyed with God’s blessing disappeared.
The Children of Israel spent the next seventy years suffering the consequences of their sinful choices. Yet even during this time of pain and suffering, God continued to reach out to them through the prophets, once again offering them hope if they would trust in God and turn back to Him.
Consequences