Jeremiah 3

Jeremiah 3:1

It. Hebrew, “a saying.” Septuagint, “If,” &c., Deuteronomy xxiv. 1. (Haydock) — Woman. Hebrew, “land.” — Lovers. Septuagint, “shepherds,” (Calmet) seeking aid from idols and foreigners.

Jeremiah 3:2

High. Literally, “straight forward.” (Haydock) — On the hills, idolatry and immorality prevailed. — Ways, where harlots used to sit, Genesis xxxviii. 14., and Proverbs vii. 9., and xxxiii. 27. — Robber; “Arab,” (Chaldean, &c.) or “crow.” (Septuagint) (Calmet) — No sin is so great as to be irremissible to the true penitent. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 3:3

Rain; about November, Deuteronomy xi. 14. This drought happened under Josias, (chap. v. 24.) and was different from that specified, chap. viii. 13., and xiv. 1.

Jeremiah 3:4

Guide. Husband, Proverbs ii. 16., and Joel i. 8.

Jeremiah 3:5

Wilt. Hebrew, “will he,” &c. The faithless people will not use this language, but do all the evil possible.

Jeremiah 3:6

Days, before the 18th year. God now pronounces sentence (Calmet) on all. (Haydock) — Rebellious, a faithless wife. The kingdom of Israel gave way to idolatry first. But the people were less favoured than Juda, which had many prophets and good kings, the temple, &c. Moreover, the misfortunes of Israel did not open the eyes of their brethren. (Calmet) — Both the ten tribes, and the two tribes (Worthington) which adhered to the line of David, prevaricated. (Haydock)

Jeremiah 3:10

Falsehood. Their reform was only apparent, under Joas, &c. (Calmet)

Jeremiah 3:11

Soul, and appeared comparatively innocent, ver. 6., and Ezechiel xvi. 51. (St. Jerome) — Yet neither of them was excusable. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 3:12

North. Samaria, or rather Assyria, where the people were captives. — Face, in anger.

Jeremiah 3:13

Ways, dividing thy love, and adoring idols with me.

Jeremiah 3:14

Kindred. Only few Israelites returned under Cyrus. The rest came by degrees, though it was more fully accomplished by the conversion of the Gentiles.

Jeremiah 3:15

Pastors. Zorobabel, &c., but more particularly Christ and his apostles.

Jeremiah 3:16

Ark. It was no longer at Jerusalem. The law and its figures cease.

Jeremiah 3:17

All. Many might embrace the Jewish religion. But the predictions of the prophets on this head, were not verified, till the gospel was preached. (Calmet) — Then many embraced the faith: several captives also returned to God. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 3:18

North. Septuagint add, “and from all places” where the Jews were in captivity. (Haydock) — Many thus returned to their own country, ver. 14. (Calmet) — Israel had been led into captivity sooner, but all were released at once. (Theodoret) (Worthington)

Jeremiah 3:19

Gentiles, which they all covet, or to which they are invited in the Church. (Calmet) — Me. On these conditions thou shalt be restored. (Haydock)

Jeremiah 3:21

God. Hence proceed these miseries and lamentations.

Jeremiah 3:23

Liars, unfruitful; and the idols have left us empty. (Calmet) — They were placed on the hills. (Houbigant)

Jeremiah 3:24

Confusion. Thus Baal was styled Boseth, contemptuously, Jeremias xi. 13.

Jeremiah 3:25

Shame. We are justly punished with exile, (Calmet) and death. (Menochius)

Jeremiah 3:37

CHAPTER III.