The Lord’s renewal of his people would not be only an outward cleansing. He would give Israel a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 11:19; 18:31).
In the Bible, the heart and spirit refer to a person’s inner thoughts and will, which guide actions. Their stubborn and resistant heart would become soft and responsive. They would be ready to serve the Lord.
Their spirit of rebellion would be replaced with a spirit of obedience.