Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.1
The NIV uses the word “Backsliding” whereas the AV states that God will save us from our “dwelling places”.
Backsliding –the opposite of repentance; they are diametrically opposed to one another! One is turning away from God toward evil and the other is turning away from evil toward God.
Dwelling place –where I live, my habitation, the seat, my resting place. Does what ever I look to for comfort, identify my resting place?
Is my resting place God? Is he my comforter, or am I still looking to sin for comfort?
Surely I need to be delivered from the dwelling place that produces backsliding!
And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.2
Do the things that humble us harm us?3 4 Don’t the choices we make dictate the life we live?5
My Prayer: God, please save me out of my dwelling place where I have sinned. In faith, I apply the blood of Jesus, cleanse me; I want you to be my God and I want to be counted with your people. Please continue to refine me and conform me to your image.6Amen.