For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live:
Seek ye me, and ye shall live - literally, "Seek ye me, and live." The second imperative expresses the certainty of "life" (escape from judgment) resulting from obedience to the precept in the first imperative. If they perish it is their own fault; God would forgive if they would repent (Isaiah 55:3; Isaiah 55:6).