The reformation under Josiah had cleansed the land of the idolatrous shrines, but the hearts of the multitude had not been transformed. The seeds of truth that had sprung up and given promise of an abundant harvest had been choked by thorns. Another such backsliding would be 411 fatal; and the Lord sought to arouse the nation to a realization of their danger. Only as they should prove loyal to Jehovah could they hope for the divine favor and for prosperity.

Landet var blevet renset for afgudstempler under Josias reformation, men folkets hjerte var ikke blevet forandret. Sandhedens frø, som var spiret frem og havde givet løfte om en stor høst, var blevet kvalt af torne. Det ville være skæbnesvangert, hvis folket faldt fra på samme måde igen, og Herren søgte derfor at ruske dem op og få dem til at indse deres fare. De kunne kun gøre sig håb om fremgang og Guds yndest, hvis de var tro imod Herren.