“The threefold reference to Israel, with Yahweh being addressed as ‘the God of Israel,’ implies that the matter in hand is ultimately his responsibility.”90 Their inquiry is not “a request for information.” Rather, it is “an oblique form of protest and an attempt by the inquirers to absolve themselves of any responsibility.”91 But Yahweh does not answer. “In the previous episode he chastised them by speaking; here he chastises them by remaining silent. Yahweh will not be used by them.”92
