Translations
Original
Notes
divorce: See 2 Kings 17:23.
King Josiah's reforms did not impact many common people. Idol worship, popular in northern Israel, also persisted among Judah's farmers and shepherds. They did not learn from the northern tribes' fate and even exceeded their practice of adultery (see Ezekiel 16:47–48).
The Lord had been calling the kingdom of Judah "Israel" (Jeremiah 2:1–3:5), highlighting their identity as His people. Now, the Lord differentiates between Israel, the northern kingdom that was destroyed (2 Kings 17), and the kingdom of Judah. The people of the southern kingdom did not learn from the northern kingdom's downfall, so they were destined to face the same fate.
Josiah, who reigned from 640 to 609 BC, encouraged a return to traditional faith and practices in 621 BC (2 Chronicles 34:29–33).
Events
- Prophecies of Jeremiahc. 628 BC
People
Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province
Glossary
Adultery Backsliding Book of Jeremiah Bride of Christ Certificate of Divorce God, Names of Hosea, Book of Jeremiah (Person)
Topics
Backsliders: Backsliding of Israel Church: Backslidden Condescension of God: Expostulates with Backsliding Israel Divorce: Figurative Divorce: Illustrative of God's Casting off of the Jewish Church Idolatry: Warnings Against, and Punishments of Impenitence: General Scriptures Concerning The Jews: National Character of Unfaithful to Covenant Engagements