Sometimes we want divine justice to come down and destroy those who disbelieve or act against the teachings of the gospel, but it's important to remember that it might not happen that way. In fact, this passage makes me think that even those who have "hardened their hearts and stiffened their necks against the Holy One of Israel" will still be given a chance to redeem themselves. They shall be "smitten and afflicted" but in the next passage it says that "they shall not be suffered to perish, but due to the prayers of the faithful the Lord will be merciful to them."
We are constantly reminded to pray for those who persecute us and to pray for our enemies. It's difficult, in fact it's probably the hardest part about being a believer. But it's also commanded of us.
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