Divine judgment operates with precise and unavoidable accuracy, serving as a direct response to a people's closed hearts and rebellious choices. The people had devoted themselves to an idol named Meni, which represented destiny and counting. They poured out offerings to it and engaged in counting the stars. Because of this, God will now count and appoint them for their punishment [רד״ק, שד״ל, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In a direct measure-for-measure response, just as they meticulously measured out their idol worship, God will number them for the sword [מלבי״ם]. The purpose of this divine counting is absolute precision, ensuring that not a single person is missing from the punishment and no one can slip away from justice [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, רד״ק].
The imagery used for their downfall is stark, depicting individuals falling to their knees in preparation for slaughter [מצודת ציון]. This is compared to a person handing livestock over to a butcher and forcing them to their knees [שד״ל], or to defeated captives forced to kneel in the moments right before they are executed [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Such a severe downfall is the direct result of ignoring God's repeated warnings. God reached out through His prophets, calling the people to abandon their destructive paths. Instead of responding, they shut their ears, refused to listen, and offered no answer [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].
Their actions are specifically described as being evil in God's eyes, raising a theological question as to why this distinction is made. This phrasing teaches that their deeds were objectively wrong, encompassing not only religious failures but also sins committed against other people. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful reminder that God sees everything. A person faces judgment even for the most hidden offenses committed in total secrecy, hidden from human sight but fully visible to God [שד״ל]. The ultimate severity of their actions lies in their deliberate choices. They purposely chose to do what God did not want, inventing their own rituals and commandments from their own minds [מלבי״ם]. These actions were not born of ignorance, but of pure rebellion, done specifically to anger God [רד״ק].