Jeremiah 3:1 “If a man divorces a woman and she goes and marries someone else, he will not take her back again, for that would surely corrupt the land. But you have prostituted yourself with many lovers, so why are you trying to come back to me?” says the LORD. (NLT)
Commentary brought my attention to the wording at the end of this verse. Some scholars translate the end of this verse to mean, essentially: how dare you consider returning to me after what you’ve done. Others translate it as an invitation: you have sinned, yet return to Me and I will heal you.
Jeremiah 3:1 They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man’s, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD. (KJV)
I find it fascinating (and frustrating, if I’m honest) that even scholars are divided on this issue, but I’m going to go with my gut. The God I believe in, the God I worship, He is the God of love and second chances. He would leave the 99 to find the one lost sheep and bring him home. My God would definitely issue an invitation: “Yep. You screwed up, you are actively turned away from Me. But I love you. Come home to Me and I will heal you.”
Jeremiah 3:1 “If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him and marries another man, should he return to her again? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers— would you now return to me?” declares the LORD. (NIV)
Lord, You ARE the God of love, compassion, and second chances. You see us at our worst, our most stubborn and pigheaded, in the middle of our rebellion, and You love us anyway. Thank You for the invitation to return to You. Help us to be wise enough to accept it and come home. Amen.
Jeremiah 3:1 If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Wouldn’t such a land become totally defiled? But you! You have prostituted yourself with many partners — can you return to me? This is the LORD’s declaration. (CSB)
Have a blessed day.