Jer 2:2 | TNotes | STEP | 2:2 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 ; see also Isa 54:6-8 ; 62:5 ). The concept is later applied to the redeemed community in heaven (Rev 19:7 ; 21:2 , 9 ). • long ago: Following the exodus from Egypt, the Israelites were symbolically married to God when they agreed to a covenant relationship (Exod 19:8 ; 24:7 , 8 ; Deut 5:27 ; Ezek 16:8 ). • eager ... to please (Hebrew khesed ): The Israelites made a commitment of loyalty to the covenant Lord (see Deut 5:29 ).

a2:2►

bHos 2:2-19►

cIsa 54:6-8►

d62:5►

eRev 19:7►

f21:2►

g9►

hExod 19:8►

i24:7►

j8►

kDeut 5:27►

lEzek 16:8►

mDeut 5:29►

‏ Jeremiah 2:2

2:2 ^a 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 ^b; see also Isa 54:6-8 ^c; 62:5 ^d). The concept is later applied to the redeemed community in heaven (Rev 19:7 ^e; 21:2 ^f, 9 ^g).

• long ago: Following the exodus from Egypt, the Israelites were symbolically married to God when they agreed to a covenant relationship (Exod 19:8 ^h; 24:7 ⁱ, 8 ^j; Deut 5:27 ^k; Ezek 16:8 ^l).

• eager ... to please (Hebrew khesed): The Israelites made a commitment of loyalty to the covenant Lord (see Deut 5:29 ^m).