1
We may compare Him to a king who had a dearly beloved son who repeatedly offended against him. At length one day the king said: All these days I have chastised thee and thou hast not hearkened. What shall I do to thee? If I banish thee from the land and depose thee from the kingdom, perhaps bears or wolves or robbers will attack thee and destroy thee. Therefore I and thou together will leave the land.
2
So God said to Israel: What shall I do to you? Behold I have smitten you and ye have not inclined your ears. I have sent against you smiters and burners and ye have not hearkened. If I send you out of the land alone, I fear for the many bears and wolves who may rise against you and drive you from the earth. What, then, shall I do? I and you will leave the land and go in exile: yet think not that I shall abandon you, for “I also” shall be with you. For “Seven” shall be banished with you: the Matrona shall leave her temple with you, and all will be desolate, both my temple and yours.
3
Hence I too will be with you, and therefore when Israel emerge from captivity, God will return with them.’