13. Only acknowledge— (Deuteronomy 30:1; Deuteronomy 30:3; Proverbs 28:13). scattered thy ways, c.— (Jeremiah 2:25). Not merely the calves at Beth-el, but the idols in every direction, were the objects of their worship (Ezekiel 16:15 Ezekiel 16:24; Ezekiel 16:25). read more
Aspects of false religion 7:1-8:3All the messages in this section deal with departure from the Lord in religious practices, either in pagan rites or in the perversion of the proper worship of Yahweh that the Mosaic Law specified. All the material in this section fits conditions in Judah after 609 B.C., when Jehoiakim began allowing a return to pagan practices after the end of Josiah’s reforms. Another feature of this section is the large amount of prose material it contains, much more than the... read more
Yahweh instructed His prophet that though both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms had committed spiritual harlotry, Judah’s sin was worse than Israel’s. Here the Lord personified Judah as "Treachery" as he again personified Israel as "Apostasy" (cf. Jeremiah 3:6; Jeremiah 3:12). Israel had been unfaithful, but Judah had been unfaithful and had presumed on the Lord’s mercy. Israel had not had the benefit of an example of unfaithfulness to warn her, but Judah did (cf. Ezekiel 23). read more
The future repentance and return of all Israel 3:11-18 read more
Jeremiah was to preach to the remnant left in the Northern Kingdom, and to the exiles from that nation, that they should repent and return to the Lord (cf. Jeremiah 31:2-6; Jeremiah 31:15-22). Those who had turned away from the Lord should turn back to Him. This is a play on derivatives of the Hebrew root shub, "turn," many of which occur in this sermon. The Lord would not hold His anger against them "forever," but would be gracious to them, if they would genuinely repent. read more
Genuine repentance would have to include realizing and acknowledging that what they had done was iniquity, transgression of covenant commands, apostasy and spiritual adultery, and disobedience to Yahweh’s Word (cf. Deuteronomy 28:1-2; Deuteronomy 28:15)."True confession, unfortunately, is a harrowing and humiliating experience, and thus seldom encountered, whether in individuals or nations. The catharsis of confession undoubtedly helps to make Christian forgiveness so rich an experience for the... read more
The Prophet Sets Forth the Sin of the Nation and Points Out the Inevitable Result (Reign of Josiah, and Probably Before the Reforms of that King: cp. Jer 3:6)This section furnishes us with the gist of the prophet's testimony during the early years of his ministry, and doubtless represents the commencement of the roll written by Baruch at Jeremiah's dictation. In these five chapters he lays before his hearers the grossness of their conduct in deserting Jehovah, and urges repentance and amendment... read more
Jeremiah's Third Prophecy. The Fate of the Ten Tribes a Warning to JudahIn this prophecy, as in the last, idolatry is denounced under the figure of unfaithfulness to the marriage vow. But as a marked distinction, God here invites to repentance, and on this there hinges pardon.6-20. Israel and Judah have both forsaken their Divine Spouse, but forgiveness will follow repentance.7-11. Samaria, the capital of the kingdom of the Ten Tribes, after a stubborn resistance had been captured by Sargon,... read more
(11) Hath justified herself.—Literally, hath justified her soul, has put in a better plea in her defence. The renegade was better than the traitress. Even open rebellion was better than hypocrisy, as the publicans and sinners in the Gospel story were better than the Pharisees (Matthew 21:31). read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 3:12
12. Go—not actually; but turn and proclaim towards the north (Media and Assyria, where the ten tribes were located by Tiglath-pileser and Shalmaneser, 2 Kings 15:29; 2 Kings 17:6; 2 Kings 18:9; 2 Kings 18:11). Return . . . backsliding—Hebrew, Shubah, Meshubah, a play on sounds. In order to excite Judah to godly jealousy (2 Kings 18:11- :), Jehovah addresses the exiled ten tribes of Israel with a loving invitation. cause . . . anger to fall—literally, "I will not let fall My countenance"... read more