"If you will return, O Israel, return to Me," declares the LORD. "If you will remove your detestable idols from My sight and no longer waver, If you will returnThe Hebrew word for "return" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which carries the connotation of turning back or repenting. This word is central to the prophetic message, emphasizing a call to repentance and a change of heart. In the context of Jeremiah, it is a plea for Israel to abandon their sinful ways and come back to a covenant relationship with God. The concept of returning is not just physical but deeply spiritual, indicating a complete transformation and renewal of faith. O Israel
"Israel" refers to the Northern Kingdom, but in a broader sense, it represents the people of God. Historically, Israel had been divided into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, after the reign of Solomon. The use of "Israel" here is significant as it calls the entire nation to repentance, highlighting God's enduring covenant with His chosen people despite their unfaithfulness. It is a reminder of their identity and the special relationship they have with God. return to Me
The phrase "return to Me" underscores the personal nature of the relationship God desires with His people. It is not merely a return to religious practices or rituals but a heartfelt return to God Himself. This invitation is filled with grace and mercy, showing that despite Israel's waywardness, God is willing to restore the relationship if they genuinely repent. It reflects God's unchanging love and His readiness to forgive. declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" is a prophetic formula that asserts the authority and authenticity of the message. In Hebrew, "נְאֻם־יְהוָה" (ne'um-YHWH) is used, signifying that these are not merely the words of Jeremiah but the very words of God. This declaration adds weight to the call for repentance, as it comes directly from the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, emphasizing His sovereignty and the seriousness of the call. If you will remove your detestable idols
The term "detestable idols" refers to the foreign gods and idols that Israel had adopted, which were an abomination to the LORD. The Hebrew word for "detestable" is "שִׁקּוּץ" (shiqquts), often used to describe things that are abhorrent and offensive to God. The removal of these idols is a prerequisite for returning to God, symbolizing the rejection of false worship and the cleansing of the nation from idolatry. It is a call to purity and holiness, aligning with the first commandment to have no other gods before the LORD. from My sight
This phrase indicates the omnipresence of God, who sees all things. Removing idols "from My sight" suggests a complete eradication of idolatry, not just a superficial or temporary change. It implies a deep, sincere commitment to live in a way that is pleasing to God, acknowledging His constant presence and His desire for His people to be wholly devoted to Him. and no longer waver
The word "waver" in Hebrew is "נוּד" (nud), which can mean to wander or to be unstable. This highlights the inconsistency and unfaithfulness of Israel's past behavior. God's call is for steadfastness and unwavering faith. It is an exhortation to be firm in their commitment to God, to stand strong in their faith, and to avoid the spiritual vacillation that had characterized their history. This stability in faith is essential for a genuine relationship with God and for the blessings that come from obedience. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. His ministry spanned over 40 years during a turbulent period in Israel's history. 2. IsraelRefers to the Northern Kingdom, but in this context, it can also symbolize the people of God as a whole, including Judah, who are being called to repentance. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who desires a relationship with His people and calls them back to faithfulness. 4. Detestable IdolsRepresents the false gods and practices that Israel adopted from surrounding nations, which led them away from worshiping the one true God. 5. RepentanceThe central theme of this verse, emphasizing a return to God and the removal of sin and idolatry from one's life. Teaching Points Call to RepentanceGod’s invitation to return is open to all who have strayed. True repentance involves a heartfelt return to God and a turning away from sin. Idolatry in Modern TimesWhile we may not worship physical idols, anything that takes precedence over God in our lives can become an idol. Reflect on what might be taking God's place in your heart. God’s Unchanging NatureThe Lord’s call to return is consistent throughout Scripture, demonstrating His unchanging desire for a relationship with His people. The Importance of ObedienceRemoving idols and not wavering in faith are acts of obedience that reflect a genuine commitment to God. Restoration and HopeGod’s call to return is not just about judgment but also about the hope of restoration and renewed relationship with Him. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "idols" that might be hindering your relationship with God, and how can you remove them from your life? 2. How does the call to repentance in Jeremiah 4:1 compare to other calls to repentance in the Bible, such as in Hosea or the New Testament? 3. In what ways can you ensure that your faith does not "waver" as mentioned in Jeremiah 4:1? 4. How does understanding God’s unchanging nature help you in your personal walk with Him? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s restoration after returning to Him. How can this experience encourage others in their faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 30:1-3This passage speaks of returning to the Lord and experiencing His compassion, similar to the call for repentance in Jeremiah 4:1. Hosea 14:1-2Hosea also calls Israel to return to the Lord, highlighting the theme of repentance and restoration. 1 John 1:9This New Testament verse emphasizes confession and the faithfulness of God to forgive, aligning with the call to remove sin and return to God. People Dan, JeremiahPlaces Dan, Jerusalem, Mount Ephraim, ZionTopics Abominations, Affirmation, Aside, Astray, Bemoan, Declares, Detestable, Detested, Disgusting, Face, Idols, Longer, O, Presence, Remove, Removed, Return, Says, Sight, Turn, Wanderer, Waver, Wilt, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 4:1 6195 impenitence, results Jeremiah 4:1-2 1340 consistency
6103 abomination
6627 conversion, nature of Jeremiah 4:1-4 6027 sin, remedy for Library The Wailing of Risca
You all know the story; it scarce needs that I should tell it to you. Last Saturday week some two hundred or more miners descended in health and strength to their usual work in the bowels of the earth. They had not been working long, their wives and their children had risen, and their little ones had gone to their schools, when suddenly there was heard a noise at the mouth of the pit;--it was an explosion,--all knew what it meant. Men's hearts failed them, for well they prophesied the horror which …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and those who Sin Deliberately.
(Admonition 33.). Differently to be admonished are those who are overcome by sudden passion and those who are bound in guilt of set purpose. For those whom sudden passion overcomes are to be admonished to regard themselves as daily set in the warfare of the present life, and to protect the heart, which cannot foresee wounds, with the shield of anxious fear; to dread the hidden darts of the ambushed foe, and, in so dark a contest, to guard with continual attention the inward camp of the soul. For, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Prevailing Prayer.
Text.--The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.--James v. 16. THE last lecture referred principally to the confession of sin. To-night my remarks will be chiefly confined to the subject of intercession, or prayer. There are two kinds of means requisite to promote a revival; one to influence men, the other to influence God. The truth is employed to influence men, and prayer to move God. When I speak of moving God, I do not mean that God's mind is changed by prayer, or that his …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots.
Having spoken of the way of making use of Christ for removing the guilt of our daily transgressions, we come to speak of the way of making use of Christ, for taking away the guilt that cleaveth to the soul, through daily transgressions; "for every sin defileth the man," Matt. xv. 20; and the best are said to have their spots, and to need washing, which presupposeth filthiness and defilement, Eph. v. 27. John xiii. 8-10. Hence we are so oft called to this duty of washing and making us clean. Isa. …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh,",
Rom. viii. 5.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh,", &c. Though sin hath taken up the principal and inmost cabinet of the heart of man--though it hath fixed its imperial throne in the spirit of man, and makes use of all the powers and faculties in the soul to accomplish its accursed desires and fulfil its boundless lusts, yet it is not without good reason expressed in scripture, ordinarily under the name of "flesh," and a "body of death," and men dead in sins, are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 4, 5.--"Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh," &c. If there were nothing else to engage our hearts to religion, I think this might do it, that there is so much reason in it. Truly it is the most rational thing in the world, except some revealed mysteries of faith, which are far above reason, but not contrary to it. There is nothing besides in it, but that which is the purest reason. Even that part of it which is most difficult to man, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Directions to Awakened Sinners.
Acts ix. 6. Acts ix. 6. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do. THESE are the words of Saul, who also is called Paul, (Acts xiii. 9,) when he was stricken to the ground as he was going to Damascus; and any one who had looked upon him in his present circumstances and knew nothing more of him than that view, in comparison with his past life, could have given, would have imagined him one of the most miserable creatures that ever lived upon earth, and would have expected …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision B. Jesus Talks with Nicodemus. ^D John III. 1-21. ^d 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [Nicodemus is mentioned only by John. His character is marked by a prudence amounting almost to timidity. At John vii. 50-52 he defends Jesus, but without committing himself as in any way interested in him: at John xix. 38, 39 he brought spices for the body of Jesus, but only after Joseph of Arimathæa had secured the body. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 4:1 NIVJeremiah 4:1 NLTJeremiah 4:1 ESVJeremiah 4:1 NASBJeremiah 4:1 KJV
Jeremiah 4:1 Commentaries
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