1 2 3 4 5 6 tn The Hebrew term used here is the strongest word available for expressing a covenant violation. The word is used in the diplomatic arena to express a treaty violation (2 Kgs 1:1; 3:5, 7). 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 sn Here thorns may be a figure for hostility (Ezek 28:24; Mic 7:4). 16 17 18