GEMS FROM JEREMIAH (21) Jeremiah the marriage counselor: The mindset of a prophet, part V

 


There are many familial images for Yahweh’s relationship with his people.  Israel is called both Yahweh’s “firstborn son” (Ex. 4.22) and “treasured possession” (Ex. 19.5; cf. Dt. 7.7-10) – images drawn from Israel’s experience of being rescued from slavery in Egypt.  When the prophets looked back on this determinative moment in Israel’s history, they often chose yet another image to describe God’s love for his people – that of husband and wife.

“…call to Jerusalem…I remember your youthful loyalty, our love as newlyweds.  You stayed with me through the wilderness years…”

(Jer. 2.1-2 The Message; cf. Ez. 16.8-14; Hosea 2.14, 4.15; Is. 43.1-7; 54.5-8).

Before we have time to get sentimental about this, Scripture calls us to face the reality of human brokenness as it shows us that Israel, Yahweh’s bride, is unfaithful to her divine husband.  The dominating metaphor for Israel’s idolatry (i.e., worshipping other gods) is that of adultery.  The prophets don’t shy away from frequently applying the epithet of “whore” to the people of God (e.g., Jer. 3.1-5; Ez. 16.15-58).  Israel is a chronic cheater – she is constantly betraying the God who chose, rescued, guided and provided for her by giving her allegiance/trust[1] (i.e., faith) to other gods who can do nothing for her besides rob her of her humanity.

     What does Yahweh do about this sad state of affairs?  Does he abandon his people?  Does he walk away from his unfaithful bride?  No – God takes his people to court, he pleads[2] with her, he presents the evidence of his faithfulness to his people over the centuries.  Yahweh patiently remonstrates with his wayward wife.  He provides opportunity after opportunity for his people to repent, to change her mind and return to respecting the terms of the marriage contract (i.e., the covenant).  As a go-between, Jeremiah is called to play the role of both marriage counselor and practitioner of family law.


[1] Cf. Beale, G.K. We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry, Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2008, p. 17: Your god is “whatever your heart clings to or relies on for ultimate security.  The idol is whatever claims the loyalty that belongs to God alone”.

[2] Cf. Brown, Michael L. “Jeremiah” in Longman & Garland, eds. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary 7: Jeremiah-Ezekiel, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010, p. 86.

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