NOTES for Jer 3:6-25
Prophecy reveals most vividly the paradox of God's relationship with humanity: the contrast between absolute condemnation and absolute love. The unfaithful people are likened to a wanton daughter and a treacherous wife—and there immediately follows the promise: “I will join Myself to you... you will call Me Father... I will give you a desirable land as your inheritance...” One does not cancel the other, nor does one contradict the other. Unbelief and paganism do not become better because of love, and love does not diminish because of betrayal. The Ruler of the universe and King of kings finds Himself in the position of a deceived husband or abandoned father. But this is absurd; it must not be so! Anyone who hears and understands these terrible words and takes them to heart will immediately turn to God; the “rebellious children” will come to their senses and return. This is what the prophet's preaching is intended to achieve—if only it reaches its goal, the human heart!