When there is stubborn resistance toward pursuing and seeking out Bible instruction, two things must first happen before blessing is poured out.
The city being brought low, refers to the humiliation that must first be imposed in order to bring the pride of disobedience to a state of humility.
Hail coming down on the forest, refers to God’s judgment. And using this figure of speech, the forest is a place where people do not assemble, but is also a reference to the enemies of God, and therefore the enemies of God’s people, which enemies who are numerous and vast.
When God’s people, who are believers in Christ, are reluctant to seek out and pursue His word, and therefore by default are reluctant to abide by His mandates, then God applies discipline in order to cure their indifferent arrogance.
God’s judgment, which typically is greater than Gods discipline, is redirected away from His people, and directed toward their enemies.
Therefore, God destroys the enemies of truth in order to destroy evil, God disciplines His people in order to destroy arrogance, and only then will blessings flow to God’s people.
Study [by instruction],
to show thyself approved [spiritually mature]
unto God,
a workman [student]
that need not be ashamed [ignorant],
rightly dividing [learning, understanding, discerning]
the word of truth [Bible doctrine].
