NOTES for Иер 3:6-25
Not only are the two parts of the people represented here as two sisters, but so are two patterns of behavior that, from that time on, have been repeated many times by apostates of many different times and peoples. Some apostates turn away from the Lord openly, accepting opinions and teachings that have suddenly become popular. Others continue to count themselves as the successors and bearers of a tradition which, however, they successfully combine with teachings and a way of life far removed from divinely revealed truth. But hypocrites are apostates just like the others, and they too will have to drink deeply of the consequences of their deeds.
The Lord once again calls sinners to repent and return. But the prophet, speaking here of the shame that has covered the sinful people, does not mention that a desire to return to God has awakened in the people. Like the first people after the fall, their descendants find it easier to endure shame than to turn repentantly to the Source of forgiveness.
And now the words of prophecy are heard: when those who were first chosen do not stand firm in faithfulness, the Lord will call all the other nations to Himself, and after them the Jews too will return to Him. What times are being spoken of here, if not the New Testament times? The prophetic word is deep and many-sided, and we can apply it not only to the return from the Babylonian captivity, but also to more distant times.