1 sn I invoke heaven and earth as witnesses against you. This stock formula introduces what is known form-critically as a רִיב (riv) or controversy pattern. It is commonly used in the ancient Near Eastern world in legal contexts and in the OT as a forensic or judicial device to draw attention to Israel’s violation of the
2 tn Or “be destroyed”; KJV “utterly perish”; NLT “will quickly disappear”; CEV “you won’t have long to live.”
3 tn Or “be completely” (so NCV, TEV). It is not certain here if the infinitive absolute indicates the certainty of the following action (cf. NIV) or its degree.
4 tn Heb “And I will give your cities a waste”; NLT “make your cities desolate.”
7 tn Heb “and I will empty sword” (see HALOT 1228 s.v. ריק 3).
10 tn Heb “when you violate the covenant of the
11 tn Heb “and you walk and serve other gods and bow down to them.”
12 tn Or “perish.”