Jeremiah 2:1-2
Summary for Jer 2:1-13: 2:1-13 a Jeremiah used images of marriage, infidelity, and divorce to represent Judah’s spiritual apostasy.2:2 b This is what the Lord says: This and similar statements were equivalent to an official seal or a stamp of authority on a document. In many inscriptions of royal messages from the ancient Near East, the ruler stated that the message came from him and carried his authority.
• The image of Israel as a bride had been used since the days of Hosea (about 760–722 BC; Hos 2:2-19 c; see also Isa 54:6-8 d; 62:5 e). The concept is later applied to the redeemed community in heaven (Rev 19:7 f; 21:2 g, 9 h).
• long ago: Following the exodus from Egypt, the Israelites were symbolically married to God when they agreed to a covenant relationship (Exod 19:8 i; 24:7 j, 8 k; Deut 5:27 l; Ezek 16:8 m).
• eager ... to please (Hebrew khesed): The Israelites made a commitment of loyalty to the covenant Lord (see Deut 5:29 n).
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