The Judgment That Falls on the Corrupt

The people of Israel brought their tithes every three days and went up to Bethel each morning to offer sacrifices. Yet all that zeal was a misguided faith, one that sought to use God in order to prosper, and sacrifice offered without a contrite heart only added to their sin.

Like the fat cows of Bashan, Israel had been blessed and still was not satisfied; they oppressed the poor and gave themselves over to luxury and indulgence. God warned them time and again through drought and calamity, but rather than repenting they grew ever more hardened, until at last, like Sodom and Gomorrah, they could no longer escape judgment.

God does not rush to judgment; he always warns first and gives people the chance to turn back. It is those who cast off a merely outward faith and, in true repentance, make ready to meet God who receive his blessing.