“The judgment would cause the house of Israel no longer to stray from the Lord or defile themselves by their transgressions.”  - Chuck Smith

“Yahweh’s desire is for a people who will never stray from him again.”  - Daniel Block

Once again, we learn that God planned to use discipline as a teacher.

What if we learned to not to stray before discipline is executed? 

Stray: err, wander, astray

• to go astray in thought or belief; be mistaken; be incorrect.
• to deviate from the true course, aim, or purpose; to go aimlessly, indirectly, or casually; meander (physically and mentally)
• off the correct or known road, path, or route.

Learn: to gain knowledge or understanding of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience

Learn what?

• Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action).
  2 Timothy 3:16 (AMPC)

For what purpose?

• So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
  2 Timothy 3:17 (AMPC)

And?

• So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.
  1 Corinthians 10:31 (AMPC) 

On the day you were born, no one cared about you. Your umbilical cord was not cut, and you were never washed, rubbed with salt, and wrapped in cloth.
Ezekiel 16:4

“In salting the child the skin is rubbed with salt to make it firm and clean.” - Charles Lee Feinberg

“Cutting the cord, washing, rubbing down with salt, and clothing the newborn were also customary legal acts of legitimation. In the neglect and abandonment of the infant in the open field, the parent legally relinquished all rights to and responsibilities for the child.” - Daniel Block

Stay close enough to the Lord to hear a whisper.