We have another promise of desolation. Their sin was wanting to take over the cities of God. Their sin was giving Israel over to the sword “at the time of their calamity.”

When our enemy is down, we don’t kick them. We offer a cup of cold water.

We can have compassion on everyone because we would be in their position except for the grace of God. God put the boundaries on our lives. You could have been born to a destitute woman on the streets of India, or in rural Africa. You weren’t. That’s the grace of God, not your merit. You have an education because of the grace of God. You have learned His word, by the grace of God. He had mercy on you. On you, a sinner.

Here’s another phrase describing the sin of these people who will experience desolation. “They cherished perpetual enmity.”

Perpetual means ongoing. Cherishing means they loved it, held onto as something precious they didn’t want to lose.

Enmity is opposition, hatred, antagonism. They held onto hatred against a people.

That’s like where feuds go on and on for centuries. The original people involved are long gone, but the hatred lives on.

It’s like the Philistines still trying to wipe out Israel after all these years through terrorist groups.

Do you have any unforgiveness in your heart?

Are you cherishing hatred, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, offense against anyone?

Ask God for forgiveness and forgetfulness. Keep giving it over. Refuse to dwell on it. You were shown mercy. Show mercy.