The Hebrew verb for sold
(מָכַר) recalls Israel’s history, noted in Judges 2:14, Judges 3:8, Judges 4:2, and Judges 10:7. Though Israel was repeatedly sold for their sins, the Lord also raised up judges for their deliverance (for example, Judges 3:9, Judges 3:15). There is comfort here, that the Lord has much experience in rescuing his people in dire circumstances, and so he will not be at a loss currently. Their sin is great, but his power is greater. Yet they must still respond to him, and are without excuse if they do not.1
1 Thus says the LORD: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce, with which I sent her away? Or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities you were sold, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.