"Purpose of Divine Judgment: Now I beg those who read this book not to be disheartened by these misfortunes, but to consider that these chastisements were meant not for the ruin but for the correction of our nation. It is, in fact, a sign of great kindness to punish sinners promptly instead of letting them go for long. Thus,in dealing with other nations, the Lord patiently waits until they reach the full measure of their sins before he punishes them; but with us he has decided to deal differently, in order that he may not have to punish us more severely later, when our sins have reached their fullness.He never withdraws his mercy from us. Although he disciplines us with misfortunes, he does not abandon his own people."
Let me interpret this: God punishes the Hebrews, his chosen people, in this world right away for each collection of transgressions, but does not ever abandon them, or punish them to the extent that alien sinners will be punished for their systematic wickedness of long standing. The Lord never abandons his chosen people, nor punishes them more severely than they richly deserve.
We sin and fall from a state of grace, and some worldly punishment, sent from the Father, may be meant to guide us back to the route of virtue and right.
God disciplines and punishes us as a strict parent does to a wayward son. Learn from God's admonitions and prosper, growing in wealth and happiness.
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