"Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness. Lift up your eyesThis phrase is a call to awareness and reflection. In the Hebrew context, "lift up" (נָשָׂא, nasa) often implies an action of looking beyond the immediate, suggesting a spiritual awakening or realization. The act of lifting one's eyes is symbolic of seeking divine perspective, urging the Israelites to recognize their spiritual state and the consequences of their actions. to the barren heights
The "barren heights" (שְׁפָיִם, shephayim) refer to the high places where idolatrous worship occurred. These were often elevated locations where altars to foreign gods were erected. Historically, these sites were associated with fertility rites and pagan practices, which were in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh. The barrenness signifies the spiritual desolation resulting from abandoning God. and see
The command "see" (רָאָה, ra'ah) is an invitation to perceive and understand the reality of their situation. It is not merely a physical seeing but a deeper, spiritual insight into the consequences of their idolatry. This seeing is meant to lead to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. Where have you not been violated?
This rhetorical question highlights the extent of Israel's unfaithfulness. The term "violated" (חָנַן, chanan) in this context suggests defilement and unfaithfulness, akin to spiritual adultery. It underscores the pervasive nature of their idolatry, indicating that there is no place untouched by their transgressions. By the roadside
The "roadside" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek) symbolizes the paths of life and choices made by the Israelites. Roads were often places of commerce and travel, but here they represent the spiritual journey and the choices that led them away from God. It suggests a public and shameless display of their infidelity. you sat waiting for your lovers
This imagery of sitting and waiting (יָשַׁב, yashab) for "lovers" (אָהֵב, ahev) is a metaphor for Israel's pursuit of foreign gods and alliances. It conveys a sense of eagerness and anticipation for what is forbidden, highlighting the betrayal of their covenant relationship with God. The lovers represent the false gods and nations they turned to instead of trusting in Yahweh. like a nomad in the desert
The comparison to a "nomad" (עֲרָבִי, aravi) in the "desert" (מִדְבָּר, midbar) evokes a sense of wandering and instability. Nomads were often seen as outsiders, living on the fringes of society. This imagery suggests that Israel, in its unfaithfulness, has become like a wanderer, lost and without a true home, forsaking the security and provision found in God. You have defiled the land
The act of defiling (טָמֵא, tame) the "land" (אֶרֶץ, eretz) speaks to the spiritual and moral corruption that has permeated the nation. The land, a gift from God, was meant to be a place of blessing and holiness. Their idolatry and sin have polluted it, leading to a loss of divine favor and protection. with your prostitution and wickedness
"Prostitution" (זְנוּת, zenut) and "wickedness" (רָעָה, ra'ah) are strong terms denoting spiritual adultery and moral corruption. Prostitution here is a metaphor for idolatry, indicating unfaithfulness to God. Wickedness encompasses the broader scope of their sinful actions. Together, these terms emphasize the gravity of their rebellion and the urgent need for repentance and restoration. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA 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. Barren HeightsHigh places often used for idol worship in ancient Israel. These locations were significant in the context of Israel's spiritual adultery and idolatry. 3. HighwaysSymbolic of the paths taken by the Israelites in their pursuit of foreign alliances and idolatrous practices, representing their unfaithfulness to God. 4. Nomad in the DesertA metaphor for Israel's restless and unfaithful pursuit of other gods, akin to a wanderer without a home or anchor. 5. Prostitution and WickednessMetaphors for Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry, which defiled the land and broke their covenant with God. Teaching Points Spiritual AdulteryJust as Israel was unfaithful to God by pursuing idols, Christians today must guard against allowing anything to take the place of God in their hearts. Consequences of UnfaithfulnessThe defilement of the land serves as a reminder that sin has consequences, not only for individuals but for communities and nations. Call to RepentanceJeremiah's message is ultimately one of repentance. Believers are called to examine their lives, turn away from sin, and return to God. Vigilance Against IdolatryModern idolatry may not involve physical idols, but anything that takes precedence over God in our lives can become an idol. God's FaithfulnessDespite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful and offers forgiveness and restoration to those who repent. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "barren heights" and "highways" in Jeremiah 3:2 relate to the spiritual state of Israel, and how can this imagery apply to our lives today? 2. In what ways can modern Christians fall into the trap of spiritual adultery, and what steps can we take to remain faithful to God? 3. How do the themes of idolatry and unfaithfulness in Jeremiah 3:2 connect with the warnings found in the New Testament, such as in James 4:4? 4. What are the consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness as seen in Jeremiah 3:2, and how can understanding these consequences motivate us to pursue holiness? 5. Reflect on God's call to repentance in Jeremiah. How can we apply this call to our personal lives and our communities today? Connections to Other Scriptures Hosea 4:12-14This passage also uses the metaphor of prostitution to describe Israel's unfaithfulness, emphasizing the spiritual adultery of seeking other gods. Ezekiel 16:15-34Ezekiel expands on the theme of Israel's unfaithfulness, using vivid imagery to describe their idolatry and the consequences of their actions. James 4:4In the New Testament, James warns against friendship with the world, equating it to spiritual adultery, which echoes the themes found in Jeremiah. People Jeremiah, JosiahPlaces Assyria, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Acts, Arab, Arabian, Awaiting, Bare, Defiled, Defilest, Desert, Evil-doing, Fornications, Harlotries, Harlotry, Hast, Heights, Hills, Hilltops, Lain, Lewdness, Lien, Lift, Lifted, Loose, Lovers, Nomad, Open, Places, Polluted, Prostitution, Ravished, Roads, Roadside, Sat, Seated, Unclean, Vile, Violated, Waiting, Waste, Wayside, Waysides, Whoredoms, Wickedness, WildernessDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 3:2 5427 nomads
5505 roads Jeremiah 3:1-3 6243 adultery, spiritual Jeremiah 3:1-25 8705 apostasy, in OT Jeremiah 3:2-3 6194 impenitence, warnings 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 ChurchStanzas 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 Links Jeremiah 3:2 NIVJeremiah 3:2 NLTJeremiah 3:2 ESVJeremiah 3:2 NASBJeremiah 3:2 KJV
Jeremiah 3:2 Commentaries
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