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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 3 - Verse 8

3:8
And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Jeremiah highlights the spiritual unfaithfulness of both the Israelites and the tribe of Judah. In this metaphorical language, Israel is likened to a wife who has been divorced by God due to her continuous disobedience and idolatry. Despite witnessing the consequences faced by Israel, Judah does not learn from her sister's mistakes and continues to engage in similar sinful behaviors. The verse serves as a warning to the people of Judah about the potential consequences of their actions if they do not turn away from their sinful ways. It emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and His commandments to avoid facing His judgment. By using the analogy of marriage and adultery, this verse conveys the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness and the need for repentance and obedience to God's will.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Jeremiah highlights the theme of spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness towards God. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, comparing it to a marriage. In this metaphor, Israel is depicted as a faithless wife who has been divorced by God due to her continual unfaithfulness and idolatry. Despite this severe consequence, Judah, represented as Israel's sister, fails to learn from Israel's mistakes and also engages in spiritual harlotry. This verse serves as a warning to God's people about the consequences of turning away from Him and breaking the covenant relationship. Through word studies, the significance of terms like "adultery," "treacherous," and "harlot" can further illuminate the depth of Israel's betrayal and the severity of God's judgment. Overall, this passage emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God and the consequences of straying from His ways.

American Standard Version

And I saw, when, for this very cause that backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorcement, yet treacherous Judah her sister feared not; but she also went and played the harlot.
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