On the contrary! He always instilled in them what he wanted: not just outward sacrifices, but real love! Sometimes he even used the heavy hand for that. Here the image of the stonemason is used. God could hit his people hard, take tough measures. Think of Elijah who had to announce that it would not rain for three years! He has been occupied with his people, whether they liked it or not. He has exercised his right over his people in many ways. But did it help? It seems not!
5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light.