What is the context?
The command to forge a chain follows the charge that the land is full of bloodshed and the city full of violence. The coming occupation will take houses, humble the mighty and profane places the people treated as holy.
They will seek peace and find none. Disaster and rumor arrive one after another, and the usual sources of guidance fail: the sought-for vision is absent, priestly instruction perishes, and elders have no counsel to give.
The collapse reaches rulers and ordinary people alike. The king mourns, the prince despairs and the people tremble. The Lord again declares that He will deal with them according to their conduct, and they will know that He is the Lord.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry connects the chain with the consequences of breaking God’s commands: those who refused His rule find themselves bound under judgment. Wesley understands it as the binding of captives.
Both emphasize the complete loss of confidence when God’s judgment arrives. Political position and the offices associated with guidance do not supply the peace that the people seek.
The final recognition of the Lord answers the refusal that brought the chapter to this point. His word, rather than their former confidence, establishes the outcome.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.