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Jeremiah 2

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‹ Chapter 1 Jeremiah — All Chapters Chapter 3 ›

1 Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. 3 Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of His harvest. All who devoured her found themselves guilty; disaster came upon them,’” declares the LORD. 4 Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all you families of the house of Israel. 5 This is what the LORD says: “What fault did your fathers find in Me that they strayed so far from Me, and followed worthless idols, and became worthless themselves? 6 They did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and pits, a land of drought and darkness, a land where no one travels and no one lives?’ 7 I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and bounty, but you came and defiled My land, and made My inheritance detestable. 8 The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ The experts in the law no longer knew Me, and the leaders rebelled against Me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and followed useless idols. 9 Therefore, I will contend with you again, declares the LORD, and I will bring a case against your children’s children. 10 Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and take a look; send to Kedar and consider carefully; see if there has ever been anything like this: 11 Has a nation ever changed its gods, though they are no gods at all? Yet My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols. 12 Be stunned by this, O heavens; be shocked and utterly appalled,” declares the LORD. 13 “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns— broken cisterns that cannot hold water. 14 Is Israel a slave? Was he born into slavery? Why then has he become prey? 15 The young lions have roared at him; they have growled with a loud voice. They have laid waste his land; his cities lie in ruins, without inhabitant. 16 The men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head. 17 Have you not brought this on yourself by forsaking the LORD your God when He led you in the way? 18 Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile ? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates ? 19 Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. 20 “For long ago you broke your yoke and tore off your chains, saying, ‘I will not serve!’ Indeed, on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down as a prostitute. 21 I had planted you like a choice vine from the very best seed. How could you turn yourself before Me into a rotten, wild vine? 22 Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me,” declares the Lord GOD. 23 “How can you say, ‘I am not defiled; I have not run after the Baals’? Look at your behavior in the valley; acknowledge what you have done. You are a swift young she-camel galloping here and there, 24 a wild donkey at home in the wilderness, sniffing the wind in the heat of her desire. Who can restrain her passion? All who seek her need not weary themselves; in mating season they will find her. 25 You should have kept your feet from going bare and your throat from being thirsty. But you said, ‘It is hopeless! For I love foreign gods, and I must go after them.’ 26 As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is disgraced. They, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets 27 say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their backs to Me and not their faces, yet in the time of trouble they beg, ‘Rise up and save us!’ 28 But where are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them rise up in your time of trouble and save you if they can; for your gods are as numerous as your cities, O Judah. 29 Why do you bring a case against Me? You have all rebelled against Me,” declares the LORD. 30 “I have struck your sons in vain; they accepted no discipline. Your own sword has devoured your prophets like a voracious lion." 31 You people of this generation, consider the word of the LORD: “Have I been a wilderness to Israel or a land of dense darkness? Why do My people say, ‘We are free to roam; we will come to You no more’? 32 Does a maiden forget her jewelry or a bride her wedding sash? Yet My people have forgotten Me for days without number. 33 How skillfully you pursue love! Even the most immoral of women could learn from your ways. 34 Moreover, your skirts are stained with the blood of the innocent poor, though you did not find them breaking in. But in spite of all these things 35 you say, ‘I am innocent. Surely His anger will turn from me.’ Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’ 36 How unstable you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria. 37 Moreover, you will leave that place with your hands on your head, for the LORD has rejected those you trust; you will not prosper by their help."

‹ Chapter 1 Jeremiah — All Chapters Chapter 3 ›

Study Notes — Jeremiah 2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Jeremiah chapter 2 begins with God recalling the early days of Israel's relationship with Him, when they followed Him faithfully in the wilderness (Jeremiah 2:1-3). However, as they entered the Promised Land, they quickly turned to idolatry and spiritual adultery, provoking God's anger and sorrow (Jeremiah 2:4-13). The chapter highlights the futility of Israel's attempts to find satisfaction and security in false gods and foreign alliances, rather than trusting in the one true God (Jeremiah 2:14-19). Jeremiah emphasizes the need for Israel to recognize their sins, repent, and return to their covenantal relationship with God (Jeremiah 2:20-37). The chapter concludes with a call to Israel to acknowledge their guilt and turn back to God, lest they face the consequences of their rebellion (Jeremiah 2:36-37).

Context for the Chapter

Jeremiah chapter 2 is set in the context of the prophet Jeremiah's ministry to the nation of Judah, during the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BC). The chapter is part of the larger book of Jeremiah, which prophesies the judgment and restoration of Israel. This chapter fits into the broader biblical narrative as a warning against the dangers of spiritual adultery and rebellion against God, while also emphasizing the importance of repentance and return to Him. The themes of Jeremiah 2 are echoed in other prophetic books, such as Isaiah and Ezekiel, and find fulfillment in the New Testament gospel of Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Jeremiah chapter 2, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a faithful and obedient relationship with God. We must recognize the dangers of spiritual adultery and rebellion against Him, and instead seek to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with the living God. By acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness and restoration, we can experience the living waters of eternal life and satisfaction in Christ.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Jeremiah chapter 2 is about how the nation of Israel turned away from God and followed false gods. God is sad and angry about this, and He wants Israel to come back to Him. We can learn from Israel's mistakes and remember to always follow God, who is the only source of true satisfaction and salvation. As Jeremiah says, God is the Fountain of living waters (Jeremiah 2:13), and we must return to Him to experience eternal life.

Voices from the Church

“The greatest evil that can befall a man is to forsake the living God, and to hew out for himself cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The prophet Jeremiah, in this chapter, sets before us the great wickedness of the people, who, having been redeemed by God, and brought into a covenant with Him, yet forsake Him, and follow after idols.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction: God's Relationship with Israel (Jeremiah 2:1-3) — Jeremiah recalls the early days of Israel's relationship with God, when they followed Him faithfully in the wilderness.
  2. Israel's Rebellion against God (Jeremiah 2:4-13) — The nation of Israel quickly turned to idolatry and spiritual adultery, provoking God's anger and sorrow.
  3. The Futility of Israel's Idolatry (Jeremiah 2:14-19) — Jeremiah emphasizes the futility of Israel's attempts to find satisfaction and security in false gods and foreign alliances.
  4. Call to Repentance and Return (Jeremiah 2:20-25) — The prophet calls Israel to repent and return to their covenantal relationship with God, acknowledging their sins and seeking forgiveness and restoration.
  5. Conclusion: Israel's Guilt and Need for Restoration (Jeremiah 2:36-37) — The chapter concludes with a call to Israel to acknowledge their guilt and turn back to God, lest they face the consequences of their rebellion.

Core Doctrines

The Holiness of God
Jeremiah chapter 2 emphasizes God's holiness and His righteous judgment against Israel's sins, highlighting the importance of maintaining a faithful and obedient relationship with Him.
The Nature of Sin
The chapter illustrates the nature of sin as rebellion against God, demonstrating the severity of spiritual adultery and idolatry.
The Importance of Repentance
The prophet's call to Israel to repent and return to God emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness and restoration in their relationship with Him.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
The themes of Jeremiah 2 find fulfillment in the New Testament gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of satisfaction and salvation for all who repent and believe in Him.

Lessons from Jeremiah 2

  1. The Dangers of Spiritual Adultery — Jeremiah 2 warns us against the dangers of spiritual adultery and rebellion against God, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a faithful and obedient relationship with Him.
  2. The Importance of Repentance and Return — The prophet's call to Israel to repent and return to God emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness and restoration in our relationship with Him.
  3. The Futility of Idolatry — Jeremiah 2 illustrates the futility of attempting to find satisfaction and security in false gods and foreign alliances, rather than trusting in the one true God.
  4. The Holiness of God — The chapter emphasizes God's holiness and His righteous judgment against sin, highlighting the importance of maintaining a faithful and obedient relationship with Him.
  5. The Gospel of Jesus Christ — The themes of Jeremiah 2 find fulfillment in the New Testament gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of satisfaction and salvation for all who repent and believe in Him.

Themes from Jeremiah 2

  1. The Covenantal Relationship between God and Israel — Jeremiah 2 emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and obedience in this relationship.
  2. The Dangers of Spiritual Adultery and Rebellion — The chapter warns against the dangers of spiritual adultery and rebellion against God, emphasizing the severity of these sins and the importance of repentance and return.
  3. The Importance of Repentance and Restoration — The prophet's call to Israel to repent and return to God emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness and restoration in their relationship with Him.
  4. The Futility of Idolatry and False Gods — Jeremiah 2 illustrates the futility of attempting to find satisfaction and security in false gods and foreign alliances, rather than trusting in the one true God.
  5. The Holiness and Righteousness of God — The chapter emphasizes God's holiness and His righteous judgment against sin, highlighting the importance of maintaining a faithful and obedient relationship with Him.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways in which we can forsake God, like Israel did in Jeremiah's time?
  2. How does God's lament over Israel's sins in Jeremiah 2:1-3 relate to His character and nature?
  3. What are some modern-day idols or false gods that we might be tempted to follow, instead of the living God?
  4. How can we cultivate a deeper and more personal relationship with God, and avoid the dangers of spiritual adultery and rebellion?
  5. What are some ways in which we can apply the lessons of Jeremiah 2 to our own lives and relationships with God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. God's Relationship with Israel (Jeremiah 2:1-3)

2:1 God recalls the early days of Israel's relationship with Him, when they followed Him faithfully in the wilderness.
2:2 Israel's faithfulness to God is contrasted with their later rebellion and spiritual adultery.

2. Israel's Rebellion against God (Jeremiah 2:4-13)

2:4 The nation of Israel quickly turned to idolatry and spiritual adultery, provoking God's anger and sorrow.
2:5 Israel's rebellion against God is characterized by their forgetfulness of His goodness and provision for them.
2:6 The prophet recalls the wilderness period, when Israel followed God faithfully and trusted in His provision and protection.

3. The Futility of Israel's Idolatry (Jeremiah 2:14-19)

2:14 Jeremiah emphasizes the futility of Israel's attempts to find satisfaction and security in false gods and foreign alliances.
2:15 The prophet highlights the consequences of Israel's rebellion, including their defeat and captivity by foreign nations.
2:16 Israel's trust in foreign alliances and military power is contrasted with their lack of trust in God's power and provision.

4. Call to Repentance and Return (Jeremiah 2:20-25)

2:20 The prophet calls Israel to repent and return to their covenantal relationship with God, acknowledging their sins and seeking forgiveness and restoration.
2:21 Israel's rebellion against God is characterized by their spiritual adultery and idolatry, demonstrating the depth of their rebellion against Him.
2:22 The prophet emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness and restoration in their relationship with God.

5. Conclusion: Israel's Guilt and Need for Restoration (Jeremiah 2:36-37)

2:36 The chapter concludes with a call to Israel to acknowledge their guilt and turn back to God, lest they face the consequences of their rebellion.
2:37 The prophet emphasizes the importance of repentance and return, highlighting the severity of Israel's sins and the necessity of seeking forgiveness and restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Jeremiah chapter 2?

The main theme of Jeremiah chapter 2 is Israel's unfaithfulness to God, characterized by their spiritual adultery and rebellion against Him (Jeremiah 2:1-3, 13).

What is the significance of the 'living waters' in Jeremiah 2:13?

The 'living waters' refer to God as the source of all life and satisfaction, emphasizing His role as the ultimate provider and sustainer of His people (John 4:14, Revelation 21:6).

How does Jeremiah 2 relate to the New Testament gospel of Jesus Christ?

The themes of Jeremiah 2 find fulfillment in the New Testament gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of satisfaction and salvation for all who repent and believe in Him (Matthew 27:25, John 4:14).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Jeremiah 2:1 → Deuteronomy 1:1-3 The wilderness period, when Israel followed God faithfully, is recalled in both Jeremiah 2:1-3 and Deuteronomy 1:1-3.
2 Jeremiah 2:13 → John 4:14 The 'living waters' in Jeremiah 2:13 are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of satisfaction and salvation (John 4:14).
3 Jeremiah 2:20 → Hosea 1:2 The theme of spiritual adultery and rebellion against God is also found in Hosea 1:2, where God commands the prophet to marry a prostitute as a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness.
4 Jeremiah 2:25 → Isaiah 55:1-3 The call to Israel to return to God and seek satisfaction in Him is echoed in Isaiah 55:1-3, where God invites all who are thirsty to come and drink from the waters of salvation.
5 Jeremiah 2:36 → Matthew 27:25
6 Jeremiah 2:1-3 → Ezekiel 16:1-14 The theme of God's relationship with Israel is also found in Ezekiel 16:1-14, where God recalls the early days of Israel's relationship with Him and laments their later rebellion and spiritual adultery.
7 Jeremiah 2:13 → Revelation 21:6 The 'living waters' in Jeremiah 2:13 are fulfilled in the New Heaven and the New Earth, where God will provide an eternal source of satisfaction and salvation for all who believe in Him (Revelation 21:6).
8 Jeremiah 2:20-25 → Romans 5:6-8 The call to Israel to repent and return to God is echoed in Romans 5:6-8, where Paul emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in our relationship with God.
9 Jeremiah 2:36-37 → Hebrews 10:26-31 The warning of judgment and consequences for rebellion against God is also found in Hebrews 10:26-31, where the author emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience in our relationship with God.
10 Jeremiah 2:1-3 → 1 Peter 2:9-10 The theme of God's relationship with Israel is also found in 1 Peter 2:9-10, where the apostle Peter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience in our relationship with God as His chosen people.

Sermons on Jeremiah 2

SermonDescription
Paul Washer (Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 3 by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preaching the word of God in a way that truly reflects the power and glory of Yahweh. He criticizes the current state of pr
David Wilkerson Antichrist Armageddon Mark of the Beast by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the coming economic collapse and how it will lead to a time when Christians can no longer afford internet or other frivolous things. He empha
David Wilkerson Wild Donkeys by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the need for deliverance from the spirit of a wild donkey, which represents lust and sinful desires. He emphasizes the importance of repentan
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 10:5 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the warnings given by the prophet Jeremiah to the people who had forsaken God. He draws parallels between the patterns of rebellion in
Duncan Campbell The Sacrifice That Is Pleasing to God by Duncan Campbell In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of God's second chance. He highlights that after death, there is no second chance, but in life, God gives us the opportunity to c
David Wilkerson Babylon Is Falling by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the emergence of a new wave of Holy Ghost music in the church. He emphasizes the importance of worship and praise, particularly through the r
Paul Washer Guide Posts and Warning Signs by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal life verses that have guided him throughout the years. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God and seeking a personal
Hans R. Waldvogel Seeking God by Hans R. Waldvogel In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God with one's whole heart. He uses the example of a woman searching for a lost piece of money to illustrate the d
Alan Redpath Challenge of Every Christian - Part 1 by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of revival in the church. He highlights the need for the Holy Spirit to bring life and vitality to the church and its ministr
Chuck Smith Broken Cisterns by Chuck Smith This sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping the true and living God, highlighting the dangers of seeking fulfillment in broken cisterns, which represent false beliefs and i

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 2

In Jeremiah chapter 2, we see the lamentation of God over the sins of Israel, who have forsaken Him and followed after idols. The prophet recalls the early days of Israel's relationship with God, when they followed Him faithfully in the wilderness, but laments their later rebellion and spiritual adultery. The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and return to God, highlighting the severity of Israel's sins and the necessity of seeking forgiveness and restoration. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord has a controversy with His people, and He will plead with them, as a husband with an adulterous wife.' The chapter concludes with a call to Israel to acknowledge their guilt and turn back to God, lest they face the consequences of their rebellion. Through this chapter, we see the holiness and righteousness of God, as well as His deep sorrow and disappointment over the sins of His people. We are reminded of the importance of maintaining a faithful and obedient relationship with God, and of the dangers of spiritual adultery and rebellion against Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Lament

Notice how God expresses deep sorrow and disappointment over Israel's sins, emphasizing the severity of their rebellion against Him. This highlights the personal and relational nature of God's interaction with His people.

Israel's Rebellion

Observe how Israel's unfaithfulness to God is characterized by their spiritual adultery and idolatry, demonstrating the depth of their rebellion against Him.

Call to Repentance

Recognize the repeated calls to Israel to repent and return to God, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness and restoration in their relationship with Him.

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