Many people are so stubbornly set in their ways that they refuse to acknowledge that they are on the wrong path. They would not seek help, nor change their ways. They thrive on the false assumption that no harm can come their way. Many continue on this path until it is too late, and the consequences are upon them.

This was the lot of the children of Israel. The prophet here complains of the wretched stubbornness of these people. They were incorrigible and rejected the means of grace available to them. They continued to live to satisfy their selfish aspirations. Their mistakes were not rectified, their hearts not renewed, nor their lives reformed. Their prophets taught them the knowledge of God and His will, and sought to make them understand the mind of God. This was God’s way of dealing with men, to enlighten their minds first with the knowledge of His truth, and thus, gain their affection, and bring their will in compliance with His laws.

But, the people were unwilling to learn, just as it was impossible for them to deeply imbibe any knowledge passed to them. They had no capacity to receive what is taught them, having made up their minds about how they wanted to live. Therefore, all the noble efforts of their prophets fell on deaf ears.

Those who would not hear the comfortable voice of God’s word shall be made to hear and experience the dreadful voice of His rod when He brings utter ruin upon them. It is indeed a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. No power in the universe can deliver out of His hands. The only way to escape is through total repentance and continual obedience to all of His will as revealed in the Holy Scriptures and taught by His ministers.