WHAT JEHOVAH TAUGHT ISRAEL ABOUT REPENTANCE

 When Jehovah organized the Israelites into a nation, he made a covenant, a formal agreement, with them. If they kept his laws, he would protect and bless them. Regarding those laws, he assured them: "Now this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it beyond your reach." (Deuteronomy 30:11, 16) But if they rebelled against him-for example, by choosing to worship other gods-he would withdraw his blessing, and they would suffer. Yet, even then, they could still regain God's favor. They could "return to Jehovah [their] God and listen to his voice." (Deuteronomy 30:1-3, 17-20) In other words, they would repent. If they did so, Jehovah would draw closer to them and bless them once more. 

Jehovah's chosen people repeatedly rebelled against him. In addition to practicing idolatry, they carried out other degraded practices. As a result, they suffered.  But Jehovah did not give up on his wayward people. He sent prophets again and again to urge his people to repent and return to him. - Read 2 Kings17:13, 14. 

Next time:  WHAT JEHOVAH TAUGHT ISRAEL ABOUT REPENTANCE - Conclusion

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