Jer 3:1, 3, Eze 23:35 | JFB | STEP | 1. They say —rather, as Hebrew, "saying," in agreement with "the LORD "; of last chapter [MAURER ]. Or, it is equivalent to, "Suppose this case." Some copyist may have omitted, "The word of the Lord came to me," saying. shall he return unto her —will he take her back? It was unlawful to do so ( ). shall not —Should not the land be polluted if this were done? yet return — ( ; compare ). "Nevertheless," &c. (see on ).

Jeremiah 3:1

1. They say—rather, as Hebrew, "saying," in agreement with "the LORD"; Jer 2:37 of last chapter [MAURER]. Or, it is equivalent to, "Suppose this case." Some copyist may have omitted, "The word of the Lord came to me," saying.

shall he return unto her—will he take her back? It was unlawful to do so (De 24:1-4).

shall not—Should not the land be polluted if this were done?

yet return— (Jer 3:22; Jer 4:1; Zec 1:3; compare Eze 16:51, 58, 60). "Nevertheless," &c. (see on Isa 50:1).

Jeremiah 3:3

3. no latter rain—essential to the crops in Palestine; withheld in judgment (Le 26:19; compare Joe 2:23).

whore's forehead— (Jer 8:12; Eze 3:8).

Ezekiel 23:35

35. forgotten me—the root of all sin (Jer 2:32; 13:25).

cast me behind thy back— (1Ki 14:9; Ne 9:26).

bear . . . thy lewdness—that is, its penal consequences (Pr 1:31).