"I have surely heard Ephraim's moaning: 'You disciplined me like an unruly calf, and I have been disciplined. Restore me, and I will return, because you are the LORD my God. After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I struck my thigh in grief! I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.'
Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him! I will surely have mercy upon him!" declares the LORD. Jeremiah 31:18-20
In these words, we have the mourning language of a penitent child—sensible of ingratitude, and at once desirous and ashamed to return. Sweetly blended with these words—we have the tender language of a compassionate father—at once chastising, pitying, and pardoning. The images are so lively and moving, that if they were regarded only as poetical descriptions founded upon fiction, they would be irresistibly striking. But when we consider them as the most important realities, as descriptive of that sincere repentance which we must all feel, and of that gracious acceptance we must all obtain from God before we can be happy—what great effect should they have upon us! how may our hearts dissolve within us at the sound of such pathetic complaints, and such gracious encouragements! Hard indeed is that heart, that can hear these penitential strains without being melted into the like tender relentings; and inveterate is that melancholy, incurable is that despondency, that can listen to such expressions of fatherly compassion and love, without being cheered and animated.
This whole chapter had a primary reference to the Jews, and such of the Israelites as might mingle with them in their return from the Babylonian captivity. As they were enslaved to foreigners, and removed from their native land for their sins—so they could not be restored, but upon their repentance. Upon this condition only, was a restoration promised to them. Lev. 26:40-43; Deuteronomy 30:1-16.
