Ezekiel 20:39

Serve ye every one. Compare Joshua 24:15. If, after warning, men still refuse obedience, there is nothing more that God can do. Coercion is contrary to His character. Hence He does not prevent them from serving their idols. The language is similar to Rev. 22:11, which reads literally, “Let the unrighteous one do unrighteousness still, and the filthy person continue to be defiled.” Again, in Hosea 4:17 the prophet declares, “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.” Yet such decrees are not without emotions of sorrow. Adds the prophet, “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? ... mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together” (Hosea 11:8).