Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 2 - Verse 31

The verse "O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?" is a powerful reminder from the LORD to the people of Israel. In this verse, the Lord questions whether He has been a barren wilderness or a land of darkness to His chosen people. The verse highlights the ingratitude and arrogance of the Israelites, who have strayed away from God and believe they no longer need to come to Him. The LORD is calling out to His people to recognize their wrongdoings, to acknowledge His sovereignty, and to return to Him with humility and repentance.

The phrase "O generation, see ye the word of the LORD" in this verse calls attention to the message that follows, urging the people to pay close heed to God's word. The following questions, "Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness?" prompt reflection on God's care and provision for His people. By questioning whether He has been lacking in providing for them, God challenges the Israelites to consider their own attitudes and responses to His faithfulness. The phrase "wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?" highlights the arrogance and self-sufficiency of the Israelites, who have turned away from God and claimed independence from Him. This verse serves as a reminder to the readers of the importance of recognizing God as the ultimate source of all blessings and acknowledging their dependence on Him. It emphasizes the need for humility and repentance in order to restore the relationship between God and His people.