For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye [are] a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.
Ver. 5. And consume thee.] God's threatenings are cordial, but conditional. Minatur Deus ut non puniat. "Fury is not in me." Isa 27:4 He punisheth not "till there be no other remedy," 2Ch 36:16 as the bee stings not till provoked.