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Consult other commentaries for a review of the historical context and the authorship debate. This section contains a number of originally independent sayings on false worship.
God requires from those who worship him the following: (1) strong determination thoroughly to reform their conduct (7:3, 5a); (2) dismissal of all false theological claims (v.4); (3) preservation of justice (mišpāṭ) in the society (v.5); (4) concern for the rights of resident aliens, orphans, and widows (v.6a); (5) an end to violence (v.6a); (6) absolute faithfulness to God (v.6b); and (7) absolute faithfulness to other members of the covenant society (v.9a). True piety is zeal for God rather than false confidence in the house of God. God is zealous of his house, which he will not allow to become a “den of robbers” (Mt 21:13).
God’s repeated warnings, when unheeded would prompt him to a total withdrawal of his grace, the consequence of which would be disaster (7:12-20). Judah cannot expect anything but Shiloh’s fate (v.14). When God is provoked with abominable actions, no one, not even the prophet, can dissuade him from executing his anger and wrath (v.16).
Obedience is the key to God-man relationship, without which rituals have no effect (7:21-24). An evil heart is the cause of disobedience; the disobedient walks backward (v.24). Judah has a long history of disobedience and rejection of God’s word (vv.25-28). This is the reason for Yahweh’s rejection of Judah (v.29).
Sin, when it is committed in the most detestable and merciless way, would be punished with the same or greater degree of passion by God (7:30-8:3). The passion of the people of Judah for idols led them to a total disregard for the value of human life. God’s judgment will come to them with the same terribleness and indignity. No one will be able to withstand God’s judgment.