Jeremiah 2:2
Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.
Jeremiah 2:2 · King James Version
Meaning
Jeremiah 2:2 is a poignant verse where the Lord reminds Jerusalem of the deep love and faithfulness they once had for Him. The imagery of the kindness of youth and the love of espousals conveys a sense of intimacy and commitment that existed between the people of Jerusalem and God in the past. The reference to following God in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown, speaks to a time of testing and reliance on God's provision. Through this verse, the Lord is calling the people to remember their roots, to reflect on the strong foundation of love and devotion they once shared with Him. It serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of maintaining that close relationship and not straying from the path that leads to Him. By crying out to Jerusalem, the Lord is expressing His desire for reconciliation and restoration of their bond, urging them to return to the passionate love they once had for Him.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of Jeremiah (2:2) carries a powerful theological message as it highlights the relationship between God and His people. The imagery of Jerusalem as a beloved bride speaks to the intimacy and love that God had for His chosen people. The mention of the kindness of Jerusalem's youth and the love of her early days emphasizes the initial fervor and devotion that the people had for God when they followed Him faithfully. The reference to following God in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown, underscores the faithfulness and commitment of the Israelites as they journeyed with God despite adverse conditions. Through this verse, God's remembrance of Jerusalem's early devotion serves as a reminder of His everlasting love and faithfulness towards His people, while also calling them back to a place of renewal and restoration.
Jeremiah 2:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
Go, and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith Jehovah, I remember for thee the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals; how thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.
World English Bible
“Go, and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Thus says Yahweh, “I remember for you the kindness of your youth, the love of your weddings; how you went after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.
Douay-Rheims
Go, and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying: Thus saith the Lord: I have remembered thee, pitying thy youth, and the love of thy espousals, when thou followedst me in the desert, in a land that is not sown.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Goe, and crie in the eares of Ierusalem, saying, Thus sayeth the Lord, I remember thee, with the kindenes of thy youth and the loue of thy marriage, when thou wentest after me in the wildernes in a lande that was not sowen.