Jeremiah 3:6
Now in the days of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, "Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there.
In the days of King Josiah
This phrase sets the historical context for the prophecy. King Josiah was one of the few righteous kings of Judah, known for his reforms and efforts to return the nation to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is marked by a significant religious revival, as he sought to rid Judah of idolatry and restore the covenant with God. The mention of Josiah highlights a time of potential spiritual renewal, yet it also underscores the persistent unfaithfulness of the people despite the king's efforts. The Hebrew root for "days" (יָמִים, yamim) often signifies not just a period of time but an era of significant events, suggesting that this was a pivotal moment in Judah's history.

the LORD said to me
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the message. Jeremiah, as a prophet, serves as a mouthpiece for God, conveying His words to the people. The Hebrew term for "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, reminding the audience of His eternal and unchanging nature. This divine communication underscores the seriousness and authority of the message that follows. It is a reminder that the words are not Jeremiah's own but are directly from God, demanding attention and obedience.

Have you seen what faithless Israel has done?
Here, God addresses Jeremiah with a rhetorical question, drawing attention to the actions of the northern kingdom, Israel. The term "faithless" (מְשׁוּבָה, meshubah) conveys a sense of apostasy and betrayal, indicating that Israel has turned away from their covenant relationship with God. Historically, Israel had been taken into captivity by Assyria due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience. This serves as a warning to Judah, illustrating the consequences of unfaithfulness. The question implies that the actions of Israel are evident and undeniable, serving as a cautionary example.

She has gone up on every high hill
This phrase describes Israel's idolatrous practices. The "high hill" refers to the locations where pagan worship often took place, as these elevated sites were thought to be closer to the gods. The Hebrew word for "gone up" (עָלָה, alah) suggests not just physical ascent but also a deliberate choice to engage in idolatry. This imagery highlights the extent of Israel's unfaithfulness, as they actively sought out places to worship false gods, abandoning their devotion to Yahweh.

and under every green tree
Similar to the high hills, "every green tree" symbolizes the sites of idol worship. Trees were often associated with fertility cults and pagan rituals. The phrase indicates the pervasive nature of Israel's idolatry, as they engaged in these practices ubiquitously. The Hebrew term for "green" (רַעֲנָן, ra'anan) conveys a sense of lushness and vitality, ironically contrasting with the spiritual barrenness of Israel's actions. This imagery serves to illustrate the depth of their spiritual adultery.

she has prostituted herself there
This metaphor of prostitution is frequently used in the Bible to describe spiritual unfaithfulness. The Hebrew root (זָנָה, zanah) implies not just infidelity but a willful and repeated betrayal of the covenant relationship with God. By engaging in idolatry, Israel is depicted as having sold herself to false gods, abandoning her true Husband, Yahweh. This language is meant to evoke a strong emotional response, highlighting the gravity of Israel's sin and the pain it causes to God, who desires a faithful and exclusive relationship with His people.

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 and Jerusalem.

2. King Josiah
The king of Judah during whose reign Jeremiah began his prophetic ministry. Known for his religious reforms and efforts to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks to Jeremiah regarding the spiritual state of Israel.

4. Faithless Israel
Refers to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had turned away from God and engaged in idolatry and spiritual adultery.

5. High hills and green trees
Locations often associated with pagan worship and idolatry in ancient Israel, where the people engaged in practices contrary to the worship of Yahweh.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. We must examine our lives for modern-day idols.

Spiritual Adultery
Just as Israel was unfaithful to God, we can be spiritually unfaithful when we prioritize other things over our relationship with Him. Faithfulness to God requires exclusive devotion.

The Call to Repentance
God’s message through Jeremiah is a call to repentance. We are invited to turn away from our sins and return to God with sincere hearts.

The Role of Leadership
King Josiah's reforms show the impact of godly leadership. Leaders in the church and community should strive to guide others toward righteousness.

God’s Unchanging Standards
Despite cultural changes, God’s standards remain the same. We are called to uphold His commands and live according to His Word.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some modern-day "high hills and green trees" where we might be tempted to engage in idolatry or spiritual unfaithfulness?

2. How can we apply King Josiah's example of reform and renewal in our personal lives and communities today?

3. In what ways does the imagery of spiritual adultery challenge us to evaluate our relationship with God?

4. How do the themes of repentance and return in Jeremiah 3:6 connect with the New Testament message of salvation through Christ?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that God remains the central focus of our worship and daily lives, avoiding the pitfalls of idolatry?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 22-23
Describes King Josiah's reforms and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry, providing historical context to Jeremiah's ministry.

Hosea 4:12-13
Similar imagery of Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry, using the metaphor of spiritual adultery.

Deuteronomy 12:2-3
God's command to destroy places of pagan worship, highlighting the seriousness of Israel's disobedience.

Ezekiel 6:13
Another prophetic account of Israel's idolatry under every green tree, reinforcing the theme of spiritual unfaithfulness.
An Old and Sad But Very True StoryS. Conway Jeremiah 3:6-10
Comparative CriminalityC. Simeon, M. A.Jeremiah 3:6-11
HypocrisyJ. Parker, D. D.Jeremiah 3:6-11
People
Jeremiah, Josiah
Places
Assyria, Jerusalem, Zion
Topics
Acting, Adultery, Backsliding, Branching, Committed, Committeth, Faithless, Fornication, Green, Harlot, Hast, Hill, Josiah, Josi'ah, Leafy, Loose, Moreover, Mountain, Played, Prostitute, Reign, Spreading, Tree, Turning
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 3:6

     7442   shrine

Jeremiah 3:1-25

     8705   apostasy, in OT

Jeremiah 3:6-9

     8840   unfaithfulness, to God

Jeremiah 3:6-10

     5676   divorce, in OT
     5712   marriage, God and his people
     5737   sisters
     6243   adultery, spiritual
     8764   forgetting 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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