After a great verse on God providing cleansing (v1), the focus is now on ridding the land of idolatry and false prophets (v2-3). The language here is very strong and speaks of wholehearted devotion to the Lord, a devotion that even supersedes loyalty to family.

Truth will cause false prophets to understand their previous folly (v4-5) and they have been helped to come to this point through the wounds of their friends (v6). This should really encourage us to pray and graciously speak to those who have been caught up in false teaching.

The striking of the shepherd (v7) was quoted by Jesus to describe what would happen at His arrest (Mark 14 v27). Jesus’ disciples wavered but by His grace were restored. Falling does not mean the end of our following.

Here two thirds of the people are cut off but one third are left alive (v8). The third who are left alive will be refined through trials (v9a). The sign of the faithful is their calling to the Lord which will not be in vain (v9b).

Like these people do you have a real and living relationship with the Lord?