The Jews were experiencing the fulfillment of the threatened curse of God for their departure from him, and for their iniquity; yet they did not lay these things to heart, and afflict their souls before God. A people that hated them ruled over them. They were claiming the blessings God had promised to confer upon them should they be obedient and faithful. But at the very time they were suffering under the curse of God because of disobedience. John declared to them that unless they bore fruit, they would be hewn down and cast into the fire. {2SP 55.1}

Jøderne erfarede opfyldelsen af Guds truende forbandelse, fordi de havde forladt ham, og på grund af deres syndighed; alligevel lagde de ikke disse ting i deres hjerte, og hjemsøgte deres sjæle over for Gud. Et folk der hadede dem, herskede over dem. De hævdede at Guds velsignelser var blevet udlovet skulle gælde dem, så skulle de være lydige og trofaste. Men på det tidspunkt led de under Guds forbandelse på grund af ulydighed. Johannes erklærede over for dem at bar de ikke frugt, ville de hugges ned og kastes i ilden.