Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 3 - Verse 14
Meaning
In this verse, the Lord is calling out to the backsliding children of Israel, urging them to return to Him. The term "backsliding" refers to those who have turned away from their faith and strayed from the path of righteousness. Despite their shortcomings, the Lord reassures them of His unwavering love and commitment to them by stating that He is married unto them. This signifies the covenant relationship between God and His people, where He has chosen them as His own. The promise to "take one of a city, and two of a family, and bring them to Zion" suggests that God will gather a remnant of faithful believers from various places and unite them in Zion, symbolizing a place of spiritual restoration and peace. This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, mercy, and desire for His people to return to Him, no matter how far they may have strayed.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the Lord is admonishing the backsliding children of Israel to turn back to him. The word "backsliding" carries a sense of rebellion and turning away from God's ways. The Lord declares that he is married to his people, emphasizing the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. This marriage imagery signifies the intimate and exclusive bond that God has with his chosen people. The mention of taking one from a city and two from a family suggests that God will gather his faithful remnant from among the Israelites and bring them back to Zion, the holy city. This gathering signifies God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of his people despite their disobedience. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights God's unwavering love, faithfulness, and desire for reconciliation with his people, even in the face of their waywardness.