Jeremiah 3:1
"If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers--and you would return to Me?" declares the LORD.
If a man divorces his wife
This phrase introduces a legal and relational scenario that was familiar in ancient Israelite society. The Hebrew word for "divorces" is "שָׁלַח" (shalach), which means to send away or dismiss. In the context of the Mosaic Law, divorce was permitted but regulated (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). The act of divorce was not taken lightly, as marriage was a covenantal relationship meant to reflect God's faithfulness to His people. This opening sets the stage for a discussion on faithfulness and covenant, both in human relationships and in the relationship between God and Israel.

and she leaves him and marries another man
The scenario continues with the woman remarrying, which was a common occurrence after a divorce. The cultural and legal implications of remarriage are significant, as they often involved issues of inheritance, family lineage, and social status. The Hebrew culture placed a strong emphasis on family and community, and remarriage could affect these dynamics. This phrase highlights the complexity of human relationships and the potential for brokenness and restoration.

should he return to her again?
This rhetorical question challenges the listener to consider the nature of reconciliation and forgiveness. The Hebrew word for "return" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to turn back or repent. In the context of the Law, a man was not permitted to remarry his former wife if she had been married to another man (Deuteronomy 24:4). This prohibition underscores the seriousness of the marriage covenant and the consequences of breaking it. Spiritually, it invites reflection on the possibility of returning to God after straying, emphasizing God's desire for repentance and restoration.

Would not the land be completely defiled?
The imagery of defilement is powerful, as it evokes the idea of impurity and corruption. The Hebrew word for "defiled" is "חָנֵף" (chaneph), which means to be polluted or profaned. In ancient Israel, the land was considered holy, set apart for God's purposes. Defilement of the land was a serious matter, often associated with idolatry and moral corruption. This phrase serves as a metaphor for the spiritual state of the nation, suggesting that unfaithfulness to God leads to moral and spiritual pollution.

But you have played the harlot with many lovers—
This metaphor of harlotry is frequently used in the prophetic literature to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The Hebrew word for "played the harlot" is "זָנָה" (zanah), which means to commit fornication or idolatry. The imagery is stark and confrontational, illustrating the depth of Israel's spiritual adultery. The phrase "many lovers" indicates the extent of Israel's infidelity, as they pursued alliances and worshiped foreign gods. This serves as a call to recognize the gravity of turning away from God and the need for repentance.

would you now return to Me?” declares the LORD
The verse concludes with a divine invitation for repentance and restoration. The use of "return" (שׁוּב, shuv) echoes the earlier question, emphasizing God's desire for His people to come back to Him. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's grace and mercy are evident in His willingness to forgive and restore. The phrase "declares the LORD" underscores the authority and earnestness of God's call. This closing statement is both a challenge and an encouragement, reminding believers of God's unwavering love and the hope of reconciliation through repentance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by themes of repentance and restoration.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Jeremiah, expressing His heartache over Israel's unfaithfulness and His desire for their return.

3. Israel
Represented as an unfaithful wife in this passage, Israel has turned away from God to pursue idolatry and alliances with other nations, akin to spiritual adultery.

4. Divorce and Marriage
Used metaphorically to describe the broken covenant relationship between God and Israel. The imagery of divorce highlights the seriousness of Israel's unfaithfulness.

5. The Land
Symbolizes the spiritual state of the nation. Just as the land would be defiled by a return to a former spouse after remarriage, so is the nation defiled by its idolatry.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Spiritual Unfaithfulness
Just as marital unfaithfulness is a grave matter, so is turning away from God to pursue other "lovers" or idols. This calls for deep reflection on our own spiritual fidelity.

God's Relentless Call to Return
Despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, God still calls them to return. This demonstrates His incredible patience and desire for reconciliation with His people.

The Defilement of Sin
Sin defiles not only individuals but also communities and nations. Recognizing the pervasive impact of sin should lead us to seek purity and restoration through repentance.

The Hope of Restoration
While the imagery is stark, the underlying message is one of hope. God is willing to restore and renew those who genuinely repent and return to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the metaphor of divorce and remarriage in Jeremiah 3:1 help us understand the nature of Israel's relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we identify "many lovers" or idols in our own lives that might be drawing us away from God?

3. How does the concept of defilement in this passage challenge us to consider the impact of our actions on our spiritual community?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take, or can you take, to return to Him?

5. How do the themes in Jeremiah 3:1 connect with the New Testament teachings on repentance and restoration, such as those found in the parable of the Prodigal Son?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 24:1-4
This passage provides the legal background for the metaphor used in Jeremiah 3:1, where a divorced woman who remarries cannot return to her first husband. It underscores the gravity of Israel's spiritual adultery.

Hosea 2:2-7
Similar imagery of Israel as an unfaithful wife is used, emphasizing God's enduring love and desire for Israel's repentance despite their infidelity.

Isaiah 1:21-23
Describes Jerusalem as a harlot, highlighting the city's moral and spiritual corruption, similar to the themes in Jeremiah.
The Offer of a Great ForgivenessD. Young Jeremiah 3:1
Backsliding ProcessH. G. Salter.Jeremiah 3:1-5
God Inflicting Punishment on Those Who Turn Away from HimJ. Parker, D. D.Jeremiah 3:1-5
Return to GodR. J. Johnstone, M. A.Jeremiah 3:1-5
Sin Law GraceS. Conway Jeremiah 3:1-5
The Backslider Invited to ReturnJ. H. Evans, M. A.Jeremiah 3:1-5
The Chief Cause of CalamitiesQuiver.Jeremiah 3:1-5
People
Jeremiah, Josiah
Places
Assyria, Jerusalem, Zion
Topics
Acting, Affirmation, Becomes, Belongs, Committed, Completely, Declares, Defiled, Divorces, Fornication, Goes, Greatly, Harlot, Hast, Husband, Leaves, Loose, Lovers, Man's, Marries, Played, Polluted, Prostitute, Puts, Return, Saying, Says, Though, Turn, Unclean, Utterly, Whoredom, Wife, Won't, Wouldest, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 3:1

     5676   divorce, in OT
     6024   sin, effects of

Jeremiah 3:1-3

     6243   adultery, spiritual
     7259   promised land, later history

Jeremiah 3:1-25

     8705   apostasy, in OT

Library
Gregory the Patriarch and the Society at Kunwald, 1457-1473.
A brilliant idea is an excellent thing. A man to work it out is still better. At the very time when Peter's followers were marshalling their forces, John Rockycana,5 Archbishop-elect of Prague (since 1448), was making a mighty stir in that drunken city. What Peter had done with his pen, Rockycana was doing with his tongue. He preached Peter's doctrines in the great Thein Church; he corresponded with him on the burning topics of the day; he went to see him at his estate; he recommended his works
J. E. Hutton—History of the Moravian Church

Stanzas by the Warden
The following stanzas, written by the Warden on the occasion of the baptism, will be read with pleasure, especially by those who are aware how faithfully the amiable writer of them fulfilled his part in preparing Kallihirua, not only for the right performance of such duties as seemed to await him in life, but (what was far more important) for an early death. THE BAPTISM OF KALLIHIRUA "I WILL TAKE YOU ONE OF A CITY, AND TWO OF A FAMILY, AND I WILL BRING YOU TO ZION."--Jer. iii. 14. Far through the
Thomas Boyles Murray—Kalli, the Esquimaux Christian,

Concerning the Ministry.
Concerning the Ministry. As by the light or gift of God all true knowledge in things spiritual is received and revealed, so by the same, as it is manifested and received in the heart, by the strength and power thereof, every true minister of the gospel is ordained, prepared, and supplied in the work of the ministry; and by the leading, moving, and drawing hereof ought every evangelist and Christian pastor to be led and ordered in his labour and work of the gospel, both as to the place where, as to
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

"The Heritage of the Heathen"
AND the Master said further, "We read in the lesson to-day a verse which tells us that the Lord has a pleasant land to give us, a goodly heritage of the hosts of the heathen' (Jer. iii. 19). And He has also said that He hath shewed His people the power of His works, that He may give them the heritage of the heathen.' "What, dear children, is this pleasant land? and what is the heritage of the heathen the Lord has promised you? The pleasant land is none other than the heritage of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Frances Bevan—Three Friends of God

How the Impudent and Bashful are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 8). Differently to be admonished are the impudent and the bashful. For those nothing but hard rebuke restrains from the vice of impudence; while these for the most part a modest exhortation disposes to amendment. Those do not know that they are in fault, unless they be rebuked even by many; to these it usually suffices for their conversion that the teacher at least gently reminds them of their evil deeds. For those one best corrects who reprehends them by direct invective; but to
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

How those are to be Admonished who have had Experience of the Sins of the Flesh, and those who have Not.
(Admonition 29.) Differently to be admonished are those who are conscious of sins of the flesh, and those who know them not. For those who have had experience of the sins of the flesh are to be admonished that, at any rate after shipwreck, they should fear the sea, and feel horror at their risk of perdition at least when it has become known to them; lest, having been mercifully preserved after evil deeds committed, by wickedly repeating the same they die. Whence to the soul that sins and never
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Conversion of all that Come.
"Turn Thou me and I shall be turned." --Jer. xxxi. 18. The elect, born again and effectually called, converts himself. To remain unconverted is impossible; but he inclines his ear, he turns his face to the blessed God, he is converted in the fullest sense of the word. In conversion the fact of cooperation on the part of the saved sinner assumes a clearly defined and perceptible character. In regeneration there was none; in the calling there was a beginning of it; in conversion proper it became a
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
OR, THE THRONE OF GRACE ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The churches of Christ are very much indebted to the Rev. Charles Doe, for the preservation and publishing of this treatise. It formed one of the ten excellent manuscripts left by Bunyan at his decease, prepared for the press. Having treated on the nature of prayer in his searching work on 'praying with the spirit and with the understanding also,' in which he proves from the sacred scriptures that prayer cannot be merely read or said, but must
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Assurance
Q-xxxvi: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHICH FLOW FROM SANCTIFICATION? A: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. The first benefit flowing from sanctification is assurance of God's love. 'Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.' 2 Pet 1:10. Sanctification is the seed, assurance is the flower which grows out of it: assurance is a consequent of sanctification. The saints of old had it. We know that we know
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ
In two things chiefly does the fundamental difference appear between Christianity and all other religious systems, notably Rabbinism. And in these two things, therefore, lies the main characteristic of Christ's work; or, taking a wider view, the fundamental idea of all religions. Subjectively, they concern sin and the sinner; or, to put it objectively, the forgiveness of sin and the welcome to the sinner. But Rabbinism, and every other system down to modern humanitarianism - if it rises so high in
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Bunyan's Last Sermon --Preached July 1688.
"Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God;" John i. 13. The words have a dependence on what goes before, and therefore I must direct you to them for the right understanding of it. You have it thus,--"He came to his own, but his own received him not; but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them which believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, but of God." In
by John Bunyan—Miscellaneous Pieces

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
Preached August 19TH, 1688 [ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR] This sermon, although very short, is peculiarly interesting: how it was preserved we are not told; but it bears strong marks of having been published from notes taken by one of the hearers. There is no proof that any memorandum or notes of this sermon was found in the autograph of the preacher. In the list of Bunyan's works published by Chas. Doe, at the end of the 'Heavenly Footman,' March 1690, it stands No. 44. He professes to give the title-page,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Concerning Justification.
Concerning Justification. As many as resist not this light, but receive the same, it becomes in them an holy, pure, and spiritual birth, bringing forth holiness, righteousness, purity, and all those other blessed fruits which are acceptable to God: by which holy birth, to wit, Jesus Christ formed within us, and working his works in us, as we are sanctified, so are we justified in the sight of God, according to the apostle's words; But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2.
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Divine Jesus.
Jehovah-Jesus: John 1:1-18. the intimacy of John, John 13:23. 19:26. 20:2. 21:7, 20. "with Jesus," John 18:15.--John writes of Jesus--- when he wrote--getting the range--his literary style--the beginning--the Word--this was Jesus--the tragic tone. God's Spokesman: the Creator was Jehovah--- Jehovah is Jesus--the Spokesman--Old Testament revelations, Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, the elders of Israel, Isaiah, Ezekiel,--Whom these saw--various ways of speaking--John's Gospel
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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