Jeremiah 3:1-25
Q.1. Why was God upset by Israel’s approach to Him? What was Judah’s response to God’s punishment of Israel? Was it possible for Israel to be restored? What promise did God give them? – (Jer.3:1-14)
God accused Israel of committing spiritual adultery, by turning to other gods – you have polluted a land with your harlotry and with your wickedness (Jer.3:2). She had relied an all the gods – just in case. Though God withheld the rain, it made no difference (Jer.3:3-5). In spite of the demise of Israel – her treacherous sister, Judah did not fear (Jer.3:8). Judah – did not return to Me with all her heart, but rather in deception (Jer.3:11). Yet with amazing grace, God told Jeremiah – 11 … Faithless Israel has proved herself more righteous than treacherous Judah. 12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north and say, ‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord; ‘I will not look upon you in anger. For I am gracious,’ declares the Lord; ‘I will not be angry forever (Jer.3:11-12). How differently God reacts from how we do when we are offended. The Lord then outlined the process that would bring restoration to His erring people – 13 ‘Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God and have scattered your favours to the strangers under every green tree, and you have not obeyed My voice,’ declares the Lord. 14 ‘Return, O faithless sons,’ declares the Lord; ‘For I am a master to you, and I will take you one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.’(Jer.3:13-14).
Q.2. How will God bless Israel in future? Why will they no longer refer to the Ark? How broad will God’s salvation and blessing be at a later time? What is God’s call to the present generation? – (Jer.3:15-25)
Jeremiah was the mouthpiece of a stunning prophecy from God, about the future of the nation – Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding (Jer.3:15 c.f. Heb.8:8-12; 10:16). He spoke of a future time of blessing, when there will be no Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, nor will it be remembered (Jer.3:16). The Ark symbolized the presence of God (Exo.25:22). In the Millennium, Christ will replace the Ark, and rule from – ‘the Throne of the Lord’ (Jer.3:17). At that time – The Lord is there (Ezk.48:35). Jeremiah foreshadowed this as a time when – all the nations will be gathered to it, to Jerusalem … (Jer.3:17 c.f. Isa.2:2-3; Mic.4:1-2). Neither Israel nor Judah will be faithless anymore, and God will give them – a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of the nations! And I said, You shall call Me, My Father, and not turn away from following Me (Jer.3:19). The condition of Israel and Judah, addressed by Jeremiah, was shameful (Jer.3:20-21, 24-25). God again made His appeal – 22 “Return, O faithless sons, I will heal your faithlessness.” “Behold, we come to You; for You are the Lord our God (Jer.3:22). His people will respond and say – 23 “Surely, the hills are a deception, a tumult on the mountains. Surely in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel (Jer.3:23). In all the gloom that Jeremiah had to address, he maintained his confidence in a God Who has planned to win.