Such was the manner in which some of the Israelites received the message of reproof. Had the people been enjoying prosperity, this feeling of rebellion would, no doubt, have been general; but in their distress from the oppression of their enemies, with want and even starvation staring them in the face, they felt their need of help from God. They knew that unless he whom they had so dishonored should manifest his power for their deliverance, they must perish. In deep humility they accepted the message of reproof, confessed their sins, and implored the mercy of the Most High.

Sådan var den måde som nogle af israelitterne modtog irettesættelsesbudskabet på. Havde folket nydt fremgang, ville denne følelse af oprør, uden tvivl have været generel; men i deres fortvivelse af deres fjenders undertrykkelse, med mangler og endog sult der gik dem til ansigtet, mærkede de deres behov for hjælp fra Gud. De vidste at hvis ikke han, som de havde vanæret sådan skulle vise sin magt for deres udfrielse, så måtte de gå fortabt. I dyb ydmyghed accepterede de irettesættelsesbudskabet, bekendte deres synder, og bønfaldt om den Allerhøjestes barmhjertighed.