How did God chasten the nation of Israel?
According to II Samuel 7:14, God chastened the nation of Israel with the rod of men and the stripes of the children of men—that is, by their enemy nations and various other means. He dealt harshly with them when they fell into unbelief and abject behavior.
Les explains that although II Samuel 7:14 initially addresses Solomon, God is looking at the long view of the whole nation of Israel. God would chasten Israel by their enemy nations and various other ways. Verse 15 begins with 'But,' showing the flip side: God would chasten them, dealing harshly with them when they came into unbelief and abject behavior. This chastening was part of God's dealing with His people.