Jer 3:13 | KingComments | STEP | Following the observation that Israel seems more righteous than Judah, the LORD instructs Jeremiah to proclaim His words toward the north ( ). There is a remnant of the ten tribes there. Several years ago, King Hezekiah invited them to the Passover. Many laughed at him, but some came anyway ( ). Now the LORD offers them to return to Him. He makes it attractive to them by presenting Himself to them as “gracious”. They may also count on Him not maintaining His anger forever when they come. What an impressive invitation from a God full of grace! It is as if the LORD is giving them another chance to return to Him and be blessed. They only have to acknowledge their iniquity ( ). For they have transgressed against Him, the LORD their God. God cannot tolerate that. In their rebellion they have gone in all directions to commit, wherever they go, their abominable idolatry. They do this while not listening to His voice. Their behavior is in direct opposition to His will.

‏ Jeremiah 3:13

Call to Repentance

Following the observation that Israel seems more righteous than Judah, the LORD instructs Jeremiah to proclaim His words toward the north (Jer 3:12). There is a remnant of the ten tribes there. Several years ago, King Hezekiah invited them to the Passover. Many laughed at him, but some came anyway (2Chr 30:1 ; 10-11). Now the LORD offers them to return to Him. He makes it attractive to them by presenting Himself to them as “gracious”. They may also count on Him not maintaining His anger forever when they come. What an impressive invitation from a God full of grace!

It is as if the LORD is giving them another chance to return to Him and be blessed. They only have to acknowledge their iniquity (Jer 3:13). For they have transgressed against Him, the LORD their God. God cannot tolerate that. In their rebellion they have gone in all directions to commit, wherever they go, their abominable idolatry. They do this while not listening to His voice. Their behavior is in direct opposition to His will.