Jeremiah 3:4
Have you not just called to Me, 'My Father, You are my friend from youth.
Have you not just called to Me
This phrase suggests a recent or ongoing action, indicating that the people of Israel have been reaching out to God. The Hebrew root for "called" is קָרָא (qara), which means to call out, proclaim, or summon. This implies a sense of urgency or desperation in their appeal to God. Historically, Israel often turned to God in times of distress, seeking His intervention and guidance. This calling out to God reflects a recognition of His authority and a desire for reconciliation.

‘My Father
The term "Father" in Hebrew is אָב (av), which denotes a relationship of intimacy and authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, calling God "Father" signifies a personal and covenantal relationship. It reflects the idea of God as a protector and provider, akin to a paternal figure. This term underscores the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's role as their creator and sustainer, despite their waywardness.

You are my friend
The word "friend" here is translated from the Hebrew רֵעַ (rea), which can mean companion or associate. This term suggests a close, personal relationship, one that is built on trust and mutual respect. In the context of the covenant, it implies that God is not only a distant deity but also a close confidant and ally. This reflects the biblical theme of God desiring a personal relationship with His people, one that goes beyond mere obligation.

from youth
The phrase "from youth" indicates a long-standing relationship, one that has been established from the early days of Israel's history. The Hebrew word נְעוּרִים (ne'urim) refers to the period of youth or early life. This suggests that the Israelites have known God and His ways from the beginning of their national identity, harkening back to the covenant established with the patriarchs. It serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's relationship with His people, despite their recurrent unfaithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, often addressed by Jeremiah for their unfaithfulness and idolatry.

3. God (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who desires a relationship with His people and calls them to repentance.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom, often used symbolically to represent the people of God who have turned away from Him.

5. Youth
A reference to the early relationship between God and Israel, symbolizing the initial devotion and love that has since waned.
Teaching Points
The Call to Repentance
Jeremiah 3:4 highlights the need for genuine repentance. God desires His people to return to Him with sincerity, not just empty words.

The Father-Child Relationship
The verse underscores the intimate relationship God desires with His people, akin to that of a father and child. This relationship should be marked by respect, love, and obedience.

The Danger of Complacency
The people of Judah had become complacent, relying on their historical relationship with God without maintaining it. Believers today must guard against taking their relationship with God for granted.

God's Unchanging Nature
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains a constant and loving Father. This assurance should encourage believers to return to Him, knowing He is always ready to forgive.

Youthful Devotion
Reflecting on the early days of faith can rekindle passion and commitment. Believers are encouraged to remember their first love and return to that fervor.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of God as a father in Jeremiah 3:4 deepen your understanding of His relationship with His people?

2. In what ways can you identify with the complacency of Judah, and how can you actively work to renew your relationship with God?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt close to God in your "youth" of faith. What steps can you take to return to that level of devotion?

4. How do the themes of repentance and forgiveness in Jeremiah 3:4 connect with the message of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15?

5. Considering God's unchanging nature, how can you find assurance in His promises despite personal failures or unfaithfulness?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Hosea 11:1
This verse speaks of God's love for Israel from their youth, paralleling the idea of a long-standing relationship that has been neglected.

Isaiah 1:2-4
Isaiah also addresses the rebellion of God's children, highlighting the theme of a broken relationship despite God's fatherly care.

Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates the theme of returning to a loving father, similar to the call for repentance in Jeremiah.

Psalm 103:13
This verse emphasizes God's compassion as a father, reinforcing the relational aspect of God as depicted in Jeremiah 3:4.

Malachi 1:6
Malachi speaks of the honor due to a father, which Israel has failed to give to God, echoing the sentiment in Jeremiah.
A Call to the YoungJ. Waite Jeremiah 3:4
An Address to YouthW. Jay.Jeremiah 3:4
Divine Guidance for Life's JourneyJeremiah 3:4
God Condescending to be the Guide of YouthEvangelistJeremiah 3:4
God the Best GuideJeremiah 3:4
God the Guide of YouthJ. Wooldridge.Jeremiah 3:4
God to be Chosen as a Guide by the YoungRay Palmer, D. D.Jeremiah 3:4
God's Tender Expostulation with the YoungE. Cooper, M. A.Jeremiah 3:4
Israel's Cry to the Father and the FriendD. Young Jeremiah 3:4
Taking God as Our Guide in YouthJ. C. Herdman, M. A.Jeremiah 3:4
The Divine GuideHomilistJeremiah 3:4
The Importance of Early Dedication to GodD. E. Ford.Jeremiah 3:4
Youth Encouraged to Seek unto GodR. Winter, D. D.Jeremiah 3:4
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
Cry, Crying, Early, Friend, Guide, Hast, Henceforth, Leader, Prayer, Wilt, Youth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 3:4

     5746   youth

Jeremiah 3:1-25

     8705   apostasy, in OT

Jeremiah 3:4-5

     7115   children of God

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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