8. Be thou instructed. In the midst of warnings of terrible punishment comes this tender appeal from Israel’s God, who is infinitely good and patient, and unwilling to bring ruin upon His people. The Lord admonished them to be chastened and corrected by His discipline.
Depart. yaqa‘, “to turn one’s back [in disgust].” God was loath to turn His back upon the nation of His choice (see Eze. 23:18; Hosea 9:12; 11:8).