◄ Jeremiah 3 ►
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The Wages of the Harlot 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. 2“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. 3Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to be ashamed. 4Have you not just called to Me, ‘My Father, You are my friend from youth. 5Will He be angry forever? Will He be indignant to the end?’ This you have spoken, but you keep doing all the evil you can.” Judah Follows Israel’s Example 6Now 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. 7I thought that after she had done all these things, she would return to Me. But she did not return, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. 8She sawa that because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet that unfaithful sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well. 9Indifferent to her own infidelity, Israel had defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees. 10Yet in spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the LORD. A Call to Repentance (Hosea 14:1–3; Zechariah 1:1–6) 11And the LORD said to me, “Faithless Israel has shown herself more righteous than unfaithful Judah. 12Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. 13Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD. 14“Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion. 15Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” 16“In those days, when you multiply and increase in the land,” declares the LORD, “they will no longer discuss the ark of the covenant of the LORD. It will never come to mind, and no one will remember it or miss it, nor will another one be made. 17At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. They will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. 18In those days the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel, and they will come together from the land of the north to the land that I gave to your fathers as an inheritance. 19Then I said, ‘How I long to make you My sons and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of all the nations!’ I thought you would call Me ‘Father’ and never turn away from following Me. 20But as a woman may betray her husband, so you have betrayed Me, O house of Israel,” declares the LORD. 21A voice is heard on the barren heights, the children of Israel weeping and begging for mercy, because they have perverted their ways and forgotten the LORD their God. 22“Return, O faithless children, and I will heal your faithlessness.” “Here we are. We come to You, for You are the LORD our God. 23Surely deception comes from the hills, and commotion from the mountains. Surely the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God. 24From our youth, that shameful god has consumed what our fathers have worked for— their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters. 25Let us lie down in our shame; let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers; from our youth even to this day we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.” Footnotes: 8 a DSS, one LXX manuscript, and Syriac; MT I saw Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Jeremiah 3 Summary The Wages of the Harlot Verses 1–5 – An Estranged Wife Called Home The chapter opens with the picture of a wife who has left her husband for many lovers. By the law of Deuteronomy 24:1–4, that wife could never be welcomed back—yet the LORD asks, “Would you now return to Me?” (v. 1). Judah’s unfaithful worship on “every high hill and under every green tree” is named plainly. Even after droughts and discipline, Judah merely “puts on a show” of repentance (v. 4–5), speaking sweet words while her heart stays hard. Verses 6–10 – The Faithless Sisters During King Josiah’s reign, the LORD reminds Jeremiah how the northern kingdom (“Israel,” exiled by Assyria) practiced the same spiritual adultery. Judah, the southern sister who watched it all, felt no fear. She copied the same sins and still “did not return to Me with all her heart, but only in pretense” (v. 10). Verses 11–13 – Mercy Offered to the Worse Offender A surprise follows: the LORD calls the expelled northern kingdom “more righteous” than Judah because Judah’s hypocrisy is deeper. Yet He extends an open invitation: “Only acknowledge your guilt… and I will not be angry forever” (v. 13). Verses 14–18 – Shepherds and a Future Gathering The tender word “Return, O faithless children, for I am your husband” (v. 14) promises personal care. God will gather a remnant “one from a city and two from a family,” and appoint shepherd-leaders who “will feed you with knowledge and understanding” (v. 15). In coming days Jerusalem will be honored, the ark will no longer be missed, and all nations will gather to the LORD’s throne (v. 17). Verses 19–25 – Confession and the True Hope The chapter closes with a moving dialogue. God longs to give His children “a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of the nations” (v. 19), but the people have treated Him like a betrayed father. At last a voice of weeping rises from the heights: “We have sinned against the LORD our God” (v. 25). Trust in idols and alliances (“the hills and the commotion on the mountains”) has proven empty. Only in the LORD is salvation. In Jeremiah 3, we encounter a divine message of forgiveness, restoration, and hope amid the reality of Israel's betrayal and spiritual adultery. Despite their persistent unfaithfulness, God passionately urges His people to return to Him, offering an image of an unfailing, compassionate, and forgiving deity. Historical Setting • Timeframe: Early in Josiah’s reign (ca. 627-620 BC). Assyria still controls the north; Judah enjoys short-lived reform. • Political scene: Egypt presses from the south, Babylon rises in the east. National danger makes the call to return urgent. • Religious climate: High places, sacred poles, and fertility rites fill the land despite temple worship in Jerusalem. Marriage and Covenant Language • The prophets often picture Israel as the LORD’s bride (Hosea 2; Ezekiel 16). A marriage covenant made at Sinai (Exodus 24) is now violated. • Deuteronomy 24:1-4 forbids a remarriage after a wife’s second union. By invoking that law, God underlines how impossible restoration should be—yet His grace overrides the legal barrier. Divorce Law and Grace (3:1) “‘If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, may he ever return to her?’… ‘Yet you have played the harlot with many lovers—would you now return to Me?’” • Point: Judah’s situation looks hopeless by human law. • Grace: God does what the law alone cannot do, anticipating the fuller mercy revealed in Christ (Romans 8:3). Two Sisters: Israel and Judah • Northern kingdom (Israel/Samaria) fell 722 BC; Judah watched its sister carried away. • Hosea 1-3 uses similar “wife” imagery for the north. • Judah’s guilt is sharper because she sinned with fuller light—she still had temple, priests, Scripture. Shepherds After My Heart (3:15) • Contrast to corrupt leaders (Jeremiah 2:8; 23:1-2). • Foreshadows faithful pastors and the ultimate Good Shepherd, Jesus (John 10:11). • Echo: “I will raise up for them a Shepherd” (Ezekiel 34:23). Zion without the Ark (3:16-17) • After the Babylonians, the ark was lost or hidden. Here God foretells a day when His presence will outshine any sacred object. • Links to Jeremiah 31:31-34—the law written on hearts, not tablets. • New Testament glance: Christ Himself is the mercy seat (Romans 3:25). Archaeological Notes • High places: Excavations at Tel Dan, Megiddo, and Arad show open-air stone altars matching the “high hill” description. • Asherah poles: Numerous female figurines (Asherah) found in Judean strata verify the widespread fertility cult. • Samaria’s ivory carvings (1 Kings 22:39) illustrate northern luxury before exile. Key Themes 1. Unfaithfulness wounds but does not cancel God’s love. 2. Real repentance begins with honest confession (v. 13, 25). 3. God’s future plan blends judgment (exile) with restoration (return, new shepherds). 4. External religion without heart change is “pretense” (v. 10). 5. The hope of all nations centers in Jerusalem and the throne of the LORD (v. 17). Scripture Connections • Call to return: Isaiah 55:7; Joel 2:12-13. • Promise of shepherds: Jeremiah 23:3-4; Ephesians 4:11-13. • All nations streaming to Zion: Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-3. • Confession leading to cleansing: Psalm 32; 1 John 1:9. • Empty trust in hills/idols: Psalm 121 redirects, “My help comes from the LORD.” Application for Today • Spiritual substitutes—career, relationships, ideology—can become our “lovers.” God still calls, “Return to Me.” • Public worship means little without private loyalty. • Past failures need not define the future; God stands ready to heal when we acknowledge our sin. • Healthy church leadership mirrors the promised shepherds: feeding, knowing, guarding the flock. • The ultimate gathering of the nations around God’s throne is fulfilled in the gospel mission (Revelation 7:9-10). Living Conversation with God Jeremiah 3 invites readers to hear both the grieving Father and the faithful Husband. His justice is serious, but His love is deeper still. Acknowledge, turn, and be embraced. Connections to Additional Scriptures Hosea 14:1-2 Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled by your iniquity. Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Teaching Points Spiritual Adultery Jeremiah 3:1-5 uses the metaphor of a faithless wife to describe Israel's idolatry and unfaithfulness. If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, should he ever return to her? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers—and would you return to Me? (Jeremiah 3:1). This highlights the seriousness of turning away from God. Call to Repentance Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God calls them to return. Return, O faithless children, declares the LORD, for I am your Master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion (Jeremiah 3:14). God's invitation to return is a testament to His grace and desire for reconciliation. Promise of Restoration God promises to give shepherds after His own heart and to restore the people. Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15). This points to God's plan for spiritual leadership and guidance. Acknowledgment of Sin Acknowledging sin is crucial for restoration. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God (Jeremiah 3:13). True repentance begins with recognizing our wrongdoings. Practical Applications Examine Your Heart Reflect on areas in your life where you may have been unfaithful to God. Are there idols or distractions that have taken precedence over your relationship with Him? Embrace God's Mercy No matter how far you have strayed, remember that God is always ready to forgive and restore. Approach Him with a repentant heart. Seek Godly Leadership Surround yourself with spiritual leaders who are committed to God's truth and can guide you in your walk with Him. Confess and Repent Regularly confess your sins to God and seek His forgiveness. Acknowledge your need for His grace and strive to live a life that honors Him. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in the chapter, the LORD is depicted as a loving and patient God who calls Israel to repentance. He is portrayed as a husband to Israel, highlighting the covenant relationship. The Hebrew name used is "Yahweh," emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. 2. Israel Often referred to metaphorically as an unfaithful wife, Israel represents the northern kingdom that has turned away from God. The chapter describes Israel's spiritual adultery through idolatry and calls for her return to the LORD. 3. Judah The southern kingdom, Judah, is also mentioned as having witnessed Israel's unfaithfulness yet not learning from it. Judah is criticized for her own unfaithfulness and hypocrisy, as she pretends to return to God without genuine repentance. 4. Jeremiah While not directly mentioned in the text of chapter 3, Jeremiah is the prophet through whom the LORD delivers His message. He serves as the intermediary, conveying God's call for repentance to both Israel and Judah. Places 1. Israel Israel is frequently mentioned as the northern kingdom that has turned away from God. In Jeremiah 3:6, the Lord says, "Have you seen what faithless Israel has done?" This highlights Israel's spiritual adultery and idolatry. The Hebrew root for Israel is "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el), meaning "God contends" or "one who struggles with God." 2. Judah Judah represents the southern kingdom, which is warned through the example of Israel's unfaithfulness. In Jeremiah 3:7, God notes, "And I thought that after she had done all these things, she would return to Me. But she did not return, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it." The Hebrew root for Judah is "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah), meaning "praised." 3. Zion Zion is mentioned in the context of a future hope and restoration. In Jeremiah 3:14, God calls His people back, saying, "Return, O faithless children, declares the LORD, for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion." Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem, represents the spiritual center and the place of God's presence. The Hebrew root is "צִיּוֹן" (Tziyon). 4. Jerusalem Although not directly named in the chapter, Jerusalem is implied as the central place of worship and the heart of the nation. The call to return to Zion in verse 14 inherently includes Jerusalem as the focal point of God's covenant relationship with His people. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), meaning "foundation of peace." Events 1. Call to Repentance The chapter begins with a call for Israel to return to the Lord despite their unfaithfulness. The imagery of a wife leaving her husband is used to describe Israel's spiritual adultery. The Hebrew word "שׁוּב" (shuv), meaning "return" or "repent," is central to this call (Jeremiah 3:1). 2. Israel's Unfaithfulness God accuses Israel of playing the harlot with many lovers, highlighting their idolatry and spiritual infidelity. The term "harlot" is translated from the Hebrew "זָנָה" (zanah), which conveys the idea of unfaithfulness (Jeremiah 3:2). 3. Withholding of Blessings Due to their sins, God withholds rain and blessings, symbolizing the consequences of their actions. The lack of rain is a direct result of their spiritual drought (Jeremiah 3:3). 4. Acknowledgment of Guilt God calls Israel to acknowledge their guilt and rebellion against Him. The Hebrew word "עָוֹן" (avon), meaning "iniquity" or "guilt," is used to emphasize their wrongdoing (Jeremiah 3:13). 5. Promise of Restoration Despite their unfaithfulness, God promises to bring Israel back to Zion if they repent. This promise of restoration is a recurring theme in the prophetic books (Jeremiah 3:14). 6. Vision of a United Israel God envisions a future where Israel and Judah are united under His rule, with Jerusalem as the throne of the Lord. This reflects the hope of a restored and faithful nation (Jeremiah 3:17-18). 7. Call to Return The chapter concludes with a heartfelt plea for Israel to return to God, emphasizing His mercy and willingness to forgive. The repeated use of "שׁוּב" (shuv) underscores the importance of repentance (Jeremiah 3:22). Lessons from Jeremiah 3 1. Return to the Lord Jeremiah 3:12 calls out, "Return, faithless Israel," declares the LORD, "I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful," declares the LORD. This verse reminds us of God's boundless mercy and His open invitation to return to Him, no matter how far we've strayed. It's a call to repentance and a reminder that God is always ready to forgive and restore. 2. Acknowledge Your Guilt In Jeremiah 3:13, God urges, "Only acknowledge your guilt—you have rebelled against the LORD your God." Acknowledging our sins is the first step toward healing and reconciliation with God. It's a humbling process, but it opens the door to His grace and forgiveness. 3. God Desires a Faithful Relationship Jeremiah 3:14 says, "Return, O faithless children," declares the LORD, "for I am your master." This verse highlights God's desire for a committed relationship with His people. He longs for us to be faithful, just as He is faithful to us. 4. Spiritual Adultery is Serious The chapter uses the metaphor of adultery to describe Israel's unfaithfulness. This imagery in Jeremiah 3:8 underscores the seriousness of turning away from God to pursue other 'gods' or idols. It serves as a powerful reminder to keep our hearts devoted to Him alone. 5. God is Our Shepherd Jeremiah 3:15 promises, "Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." God provides leaders who guide us in truth and wisdom, reflecting His own heart. It's a reassurance that He cares for us and provides for our spiritual nourishment. 6. The Importance of True Worship In Jeremiah 3:16-17, God speaks of a time when the Ark of the Covenant will no longer be the focus, but rather His presence will be in the hearts of His people. This points to the importance of genuine worship that goes beyond rituals and resides in a personal relationship with God. 7. God’s Promise of Restoration Jeremiah 3:18 offers hope: "In those days the house of Judah will join the house of Israel, and together they will come from a land of the north to the land I gave your fathers as an inheritance." God promises to restore and reunite His people, showing that His plans for us are always for our good and His glory. 8. The Call to Repentance is Urgent The urgency in Jeremiah 3:22, "Return, O faithless sons; I will heal your faithlessness," emphasizes that repentance should not be delayed. God is ready to heal and restore us, but we must respond to His call promptly. 9. God’s Love is Unconditional Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God’s love remains steadfast. Jeremiah 3:19 reflects His heart: "How gladly would I treat you like sons and give you a desirable land." His love is not based on our actions but on His unchanging nature. 10. The Hope of a New Covenant Jeremiah 3 hints at a future where God’s people will be united under a new covenant, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This foreshadows the ultimate redemption and unity found in Christ, who brings us into a new relationship with God through His sacrifice and resurrection. These lessons from Jeremiah 3 remind us of God's unwavering love and the hope we have in Him. Let them inspire you to draw closer to the Lord, knowing that He is always ready to welcome you back with open arms. Topics 1. Call to Repentance Jeremiah 3 begins with a call for Israel to return to the Lord despite their unfaithfulness. The imagery of a faithless wife is used to describe Israel's spiritual adultery. The Hebrew word for "return" (שׁוּב, shuv) is significant, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and turning back to God. ^"If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, should he ever return to her? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers—would you now return to Me?” declares the LORD.^ (Jeremiah 3:1) 2. Acknowledgment of Guilt The chapter highlights the importance of acknowledging one's guilt and sin as a step towards reconciliation with God. The Hebrew term for "acknowledge" (נָכַר, nakar) implies a deep recognition and confession of wrongdoing. ^"Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,” declares the LORD.^ (Jeremiah 3:13) 3. Promise of Restoration Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God promises restoration and healing if they return to Him. This reflects God's enduring mercy and willingness to forgive. The Hebrew root for "heal" (רָפָא, rapha) conveys the idea of restoration and making whole. ^"Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion."^ (Jeremiah 3:14) 4. Future Hope and Unity The chapter concludes with a vision of a future where Israel and Judah are united and faithful to God. This prophetic hope points to a time of spiritual renewal and unity under God's leadership. ^"In those days the house of Judah will join with the house of Israel, and together they will come from a land of the north to the land that I gave your fathers as an inheritance."^ (Jeremiah 3:18) Themes 1. Call to Repentance Jeremiah 3 emphasizes God's call for Israel to return to Him. The chapter opens with a metaphor of a faithless wife, symbolizing Israel's unfaithfulness. God invites them to repent: "Return, O faithless children, declares the LORD, for I am your master" (Jeremiah 3:14). The Hebrew word for "return" (שׁוּב, shuv) is a key term, indicating a turning back to God. 2. God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God offers mercy and forgiveness. He promises healing and restoration if they return: "I will bring you to Zion" (Jeremiah 3:14). This theme highlights God's enduring love and willingness to forgive, rooted in the Hebrew concept of "chesed" (חֶסֶד), meaning steadfast love or mercy. 3. Spiritual Adultery The theme of spiritual adultery is prevalent, as Israel is compared to an unfaithful spouse. God accuses them of idolatry and turning to other gods: "You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness" (Jeremiah 3:2). This theme underscores the seriousness of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. 4. Consequences of Sin The chapter outlines the consequences of Israel's sin, including shame and desolation: "Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen" (Jeremiah 3:3). This theme reflects the biblical principle that sin leads to judgment and separation from God. 5. Promise of Restoration God promises a future restoration for a repentant Israel: "I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding" (Jeremiah 3:15). This theme points to God's plan for renewal and guidance through faithful leaders. 6. Covenant Relationship The chapter reaffirms the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Despite their unfaithfulness, God remains committed to His covenant: "You will call Me 'My Father' and not turn away from following Me" (Jeremiah 3:19). This theme highlights the enduring nature of God's promises and His desire for a personal relationship with His people. 7. Hope for the Future Jeremiah 3 concludes with a vision of hope and unity: "At that time Jerusalem will be called The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem" (Jeremiah 3:17). This theme anticipates a future where God's kingdom is fully realized, and all nations acknowledge His sovereignty. Prayer Points Pray for a heart of repentance and the courage to turn away from anything that separates you from God. Ask God to reveal any idols in your life and to help you prioritize your relationship with Him. Pray for godly leaders who will guide you with wisdom and understanding. Thank God for His unfailing mercy and grace, and for the promise of restoration and renewal. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can God renew a covenant with Israel in Jeremiah 3:1–8 despite Deuteronomy 24:1–4 forbidding reunions after divorce? 2. Why does Jeremiah 3:2 claim the land is “polluted” by idolatry when archaeological records provide no definitive evidence of such ecological devastation? 3. If Jeremiah 3:16 asserts the Ark of the Covenant will no longer be remembered, why do other biblical texts and traditions continue to revere it? 4. How does Jeremiah 3:12–14 depict limitless mercy when texts like 2 Kings 17:6–23 suggest God’s patience eventually ran out? 5. Why does Jeremiah 3 portray repeated divine forgiveness despite other passages advocating strict judgment, seemingly creating a moral and theological tension? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jeremiah 3 shape your understanding of God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness? 2. Discuss the metaphor of Israel as an unfaithful wife. What does it imply about the relationship between God and His people? 3. In what ways do you see a reflection of Israel's infidelity in today's society or even in your personal life? 4. How does the repeated plea for repentance in this chapter speak to you personally? 5. How does God's promised restoration provide hope for the future? 6. In what ways can the example of God's forgiveness inspire you in your relationships with others? 7. How does the reassurance given by God at the end of the chapter comfort you in your current circumstances? 8. How does the story of Israel and Judah's unfaithfulness serve as a warning in our spiritual journey? 9. What practical steps can you take to prevent spiritual adultery in your life? 10. How can you apply the lessons of repentance and restoration from this chapter to your present situation? 11. How does God's interaction with Israel and Judah in Jeremiah 3 challenge your understanding of God's character? 12. Discuss the significance of God's promise to give Israel "shepherds after my own heart." 13. How do you think the Israelites might have felt after hearing God's plea? Relate this to modern situations. 14. In what ways can the prophecy of future hope in this chapter inform our approach to societal problems? 15. Discuss some ways that societies today are similar to or different from Israel and Judah. 16. How does God's response to Israel's repentance help you understand His grace? 17. How does the theme of forgiveness play out in your life, and how can you improve in this area? 18. If you were to compose a lament like the one found in Jeremiah 3:19-25, what would it contain? 19. In the light of this chapter, how do you think God feels when we stray away from Him? 20. How can the lessons from Jeremiah 3 guide us in restoring broken relationships in our own lives? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions