1. “So you, by the help of your God, return”

a) The possibility of returning to God was still there.

b) There was strong admonition to return to the LORD.

c) By the help of God:

i) His mercy must be sought.

ii) His grace must be found.

iii) His forgiveness must be obtained through genuine repentance.

2. Three proofs of genuine repentance and returning to the LORD were suggested

a) “Observe mercy”

i) If the mercy of the LORD is sought and found.

ii) There must also be the practice of mercy to all who are oppressed and down-trodden.

b) “Justice”

i) Mercy and justice are closely related.

ii) Justice may be harsh if not tempered by mercy.

iii) The upholding of justice would reflect genuine repentance and returning to God.

c) “Wait on your God”

i) This was not practised in the past.

ii) Every time a crisis occurred, the help of idols was sought.

iii) Or the seeking of help from foreign nations.

iv) Israel must learn to wait on the LORD.

d) “Wait on your God continually”

i) Waiting on the Lord would require trust in Him.

ii) This must be practised consistently.

iii) This would be proof indeed of a genuine return to the LORD.