Jeremiah 3:1-25

3:1-5 | In light of Judah’s persistent infidelity (Ezek. 16:26), the law that a man could not take back his divorced wife if she married another (Deut. 24:1-4) suggests that reconciliation with the Lord was impossible. But the Lord still said, Return to Me. Repentance is only possible when sinners know there is One who will forgive.

3:6-10 | Marriage is so sacred in the eyes of God that He chose it as the OT picture of His relationship with the people of Israel. When Israel decided to worship other gods, this was considered adultery on her part, leaving God no choice but to issue a certificate of divorce.

3:11 | Although the Israelites had the temple in Jerusalem and were ruled over by the house of David, Judah was more guilty because they had no learned from what had happened to Israel when God judged them by sending them into captivity years earlier.

3:16-17 | Words of great hope are also contained in God’s words of judgment. Here a future was envisioned in which the ark of the covenant would no longer have a central role because the name of the LORD – His presence – would be in Jerusalem.