Israel had not taken God seriously, they IGNORED the many warnings given by the prophets. Their pride in what they considered to be their own achievements, their refusal to practice righteousness and justice and their growing apostasy ALL led to their downfall. Proverbs 14:34 declares that “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.” This is still true today. Humble dependence on God is the only guarantee of His help and blessing.