人們通常認為以色列是一個統一的整體，一個同質性的實體。

我們今天讀到的經文告訴我們，事實並非如此，就像世上任何民族都不是如此。

事實上，以色列至少分為兩組：一組是先知，他們懇求侍奉上主，與祂合一；另一組是誤入歧途的人，他們各自走自己的路。

因此，我們學習，罪導致分散，順服上主才能建立團契和合一：與上主合一，以及與跟隨祂的人合一。這真理過去如此，現在依然如此。

It is customary to think of Israel as it were a unity, a homogeneous entity.

What we read today teaches us that it has never been the case, as it never is the case for any people on the earth.

Rather, there were at least two groups: the prophets, who pleaded to serve the Lord and reach unity with him, and those who went astray, each following his own roads.

So, we learn that sin is dispersion, obedience to the Lord create communion and unity: with the Lord and among those who follow him. This has always been true and continues to be true.