“Therefore thus says Yahweh of hosts.
‘I will now refine them.
I will test them.
What else can I do
With my sinful people?
Their tongue is a deadly arrow.
It speaks deceit
Through the mouth.
They all speak friendly words
To their neighbors.
But inwardly
They are planning
To lay an ambush.
Shall I not punish them
For these things?
Shall I not bring retribution
On a nation such as this?’
Says Yahweh.”
Yahweh wants to test or refine this sinful people. Their tongues are like deadly arrows because of their deceit. They speak friendly words to their neighbors, but they are planning an ambush for them. How are they to be punished? How much retribution should be handed out to such a people and a country?