John Chrysostom, on Isa 1:5

“For what shall I strike you any more, you that increase transgression? the whole head is sick, and the whole heart is sad.”

“It shows utter contempt when, even with retributions, [the Israelites] do not become better. But even this is a kind of benefit—to be chastised. For they would have to admit that God not only condemned and rewarded but was also forgiving sinners. And certainly he was coaxing them with rewards and also chastising them with fear of punishments.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.