Jeremiah 2:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go {H1980} and cry {H7121} in the ears {H241} of Jerusalem {H3389}, saying {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; I remember {H2142} thee, the kindness {H2617} of thy youth {H5271}, the love {H160} of thine espousals {H3623}, when thou wentest {H3212} after {H310} me in the wilderness {H4057}, in a land {H776} that was not sown {H2232}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Go and shout in the ears of Yerushalayim that this is what ADONAI says: 'I remember your devotion when you were young; how, as a bride, you loved me; how you followed me through the desert, through a land not sown.

Berean Standard Bible

“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 2:2 encapsulates a profound message from the LORD to Jerusalem, recalling the nation of Israel's initial devotion and covenant faithfulness during its formative years. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God tenderly yet pointedly reminds His people of their "first love"—the period of their youth and espousals when they followed Him faithfully through the wilderness, a barren and unsown land. This poignant remembrance serves as a foundational contrast to their present spiritual decline, setting the stage for the subsequent divine lament and call to repentance that permeates the book.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 2:2 initiates a significant prophetic oracle that spans much of Jeremiah chapter 2. Following an introductory chapter that establishes Jeremiah's call and commission, this verse immediately plunges into the core message of God's indictment against Judah. It serves as a powerful rhetorical device, beginning with a nostalgic recollection of past fidelity before pivoting to a sharp rebuke of present apostasy. The tenderness of God's memory in this verse amplifies the tragedy of Israel's subsequent unfaithfulness, preparing the reader for the charges of idolatry and covenant breaking that follow in verses like [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters") and [Jeremiah 2:27](/jeremiah/2-27 "Jeremiah 2:27 - Turning Backs on God"). This opening functions as a divine appeal, a reminder of a relationship once pure, designed to elicit reflection and repentance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry began during the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BCE), a period marked by significant religious reforms aimed at eradicating idolatry and restoring Mosaic covenant practices ([2 Kings 22](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22 - Josiah's Reforms")). However, beneath the surface of Josiah's revival, much of the populace harbored syncretistic practices and a superficial adherence to the Law. The "youth" and "espousals" mentioned in the verse refer to Israel's foundational period following the Exodus from Egypt, particularly the wilderness wandering. Culturally, the covenant between God and Israel was often depicted as a marriage, with God as the faithful husband and Israel as the bride. This imagery was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern thought, where covenants often involved loyalties akin to marital vows. The wilderness period, though challenging, was seen as a time of unique dependence and exclusive devotion to Yahweh, before the temptations of settled agricultural life and the idolatrous practices of Canaanite neighbors became prevalent.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that resonate throughout Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it highlights **God's Enduring Memory and Faithfulness**; even when His people forget Him, He remembers their past devotion and His own covenant promises. This divine remembrance is not merely nostalgic but serves as a basis for His righteous judgment and His persistent call to reconciliation. Second, the theme of the **Covenant as a Sacred Marriage** is powerfully established. The "kindness of thy youth" and "love of thine espousals" portray the deep, intimate bond God initiated with Israel, emphasizing His passionate commitment and their initial reciprocal devotion. This metaphor is central to understanding Israel's spiritual adultery and God's heartbreak (e.g., [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19 "Hosea 2:19-20 - God's Everlasting Espousal to Israel")). Third, the **Wilderness as a Crucible of Faith** emerges as a significant motif. The journey through "a land that was not sown" represents a period of absolute reliance on God for provision and guidance, a time when Israel, despite its murmuring, followed Him uniquely. This period is often contrasted with the later apostasy that occurred after settling in the promised land, where prosperity led to forgetting God ([Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - Remembering the Wilderness Journey")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** (H2142) This primitive root means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention." In this context, God's remembrance is not a passive recall but an active, intentional act of bringing to mind Israel's past fidelity. It signifies God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His deep personal investment in the relationship, highlighting that He does not forget the initial purity of their bond, even amidst their current unfaithfulness.
* **kindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** (H2617) Derived from a root meaning "to be kind," this word denotes "kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty." Here, it refers to the loyal, steadfast love and devotion shown by Israel to God in their early history. It speaks of a covenant loyalty, a faithful adherence to God's commands and presence, characteristic of a nascent relationship built on trust and obedience.
* **love (Hebrew, _ʼahăbâh'_):** (H160) This feminine noun means "affection (in a good or a bad sense); love." In Jeremiah 2:2, it specifically refers to the deep, passionate affection and devotion of a bride towards her groom, reflecting the intense emotional bond Israel had with God during their "espousals." It underscores the emotional depth of the covenant relationship, portraying it as a sacred, intimate union.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD;":** This opening command underscores the urgency and public nature of Jeremiah's message. "Go and cry" (imperatives) emphasizes the divine mandate, while "in the ears of Jerusalem" signifies that the message is directed to the capital city, representing the entire nation of Judah, and is meant to be heard clearly and unequivocally. The declaration "Thus saith the LORD" authenticates the message as a direct divine utterance, lending it ultimate authority and solemnity.
* **"I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals,":** Here, God shifts from commanding the prophet to directly addressing Jerusalem. The phrase "I remember thee" reveals God's personal and enduring memory of Israel's past. "The kindness of thy youth" refers to Israel's initial loyalty and devotion during its formative period as a nation, akin to a young person's vibrant energy and commitment. "The love of thine espousals" vividly employs the metaphor of marriage, portraying the covenant relationship as a sacred betrothal, where Israel displayed the pure, passionate love of a bride for her groom. This clause highlights God's tender recollection of a time when their relationship was characterized by mutual affection and faithfulness.
* **"when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land [that was] not sown.":** This final clause specifies the context of Israel's early devotion. "When thou wentest after me" signifies active obedience and pursuit of God's will. The "wilderness, in a land that was not sown" refers to the forty years of wandering after the Exodus. This barren, uncultivated land symbolizes a period of complete dependence on God for sustenance and guidance, where Israel had no earthly resources and was forced to rely solely on divine provision. It was a time of unique intimacy and singular focus on God, before the distractions and temptations of settled life in the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 2:2 is rich in **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, primarily employing the powerful image of marriage to describe the covenant relationship between God and Israel. God is portrayed as the faithful husband, and Israel as the bride in her "youth" and "espousals." This **Anthropomorphism** attributes human emotions and relational dynamics (remembrance, love, kindness) to God, making His relationship with Israel relatable and emotionally resonant. The phrase "wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown" uses **Symbolism** to represent a period of profound dependence and exclusive devotion, contrasting sharply with the later apostasy. The entire verse functions as a form of **Pathos**, a rhetorical appeal to emotion, as God's tender remembrance of past love is designed to evoke shame, sorrow, and ultimately, repentance in His wayward people. The **Contrast** between Israel's past faithfulness and their present unfaithfulness is implicitly established, setting the stage for the subsequent divine lament and judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 2:2 serves as a foundational theological statement regarding God's unwavering faithfulness and His deep, personal investment in His covenant people. It establishes the metaphor of the divine marriage, which is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, illustrating the intimate and exclusive nature of God's relationship with Israel. God's remembrance of Israel's "first love" is not merely nostalgic, but an active declaration of His enduring commitment, even in the face of their spiritual adultery. This divine memory underscores the gravity of Israel's sin—they have broken a sacred, loving bond. The verse also highlights the wilderness period as a time of unique spiritual purity and dependence, a theological archetype for moments of intense reliance on God. It reminds us that true faith flourishes not in abundance, but often in barrenness, where God alone is our source.

* [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19 "Hosea 2:19-20 - God's Everlasting Espousal to Israel")
* [Ezekiel 16:8](/ezekiel/16-8 "Ezekiel 16:8 - God's Covenant with Jerusalem as a Marriage")
* [Revelation 2:4-5](/revelation/2-4 "Revelation 2:4-5 - The Call to Remember First Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 2:2 offers a profound mirror for personal and corporate spiritual reflection. Just as God remembered Israel's "first love," we are called to regularly examine the state of our own hearts and our relationship with Him. Do we recall the initial fervor, the deep dependence, and the singular devotion we experienced when we first encountered Christ? Life's comforts, distractions, and temptations can subtly erode that initial passion, leading us away from a wholehearted pursuit of God. This verse serves as a tender invitation to return to our "first love," to remember the grace that first drew us, and to renew our commitment to follow Him, even into the "wilderness" of life's challenges where our dependence on Him is most acutely felt. It reminds us that God's memory of our faithfulness, however fleeting, is a testament to His enduring love and His desire for our full return. His grace is always sufficient to restore us to that place of intimacy and devoted pursuit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What was your "wilderness" experience with God, a time when you felt most dependent on Him and followed Him most closely?**
* **In what ways might you have drifted from your "first love" for Christ, and what practical steps can you take to rekindle that passion?**
* **How does God's remembrance of Israel's past faithfulness encourage or challenge you in your current walk with Him?**
* **What does it mean to "go after" the Lord in a "land that was not sown" in your life today?**

### FAQ
**What does "the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals" mean in this verse?**

Answer: This phrase uses powerful marital imagery to describe the early relationship between God and the nation of Israel. "The kindness of thy youth" refers to Israel's initial loyalty, steadfast love, and faithful adherence to God during its formative period, particularly after the Exodus. "The love of thine espousals" further emphasizes this by portraying the covenant relationship as a sacred betrothal, where Israel, as a young bride, displayed pure and passionate love for God, her divine groom. It highlights a period of exclusive devotion and trust, before the nation became entangled with idolatry and foreign alliances. This metaphor is common in prophetic literature to describe God's intimate covenant with His people, as seen in [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - God's Covenant with Jerusalem").

**What is the significance of "when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown"?**

Answer: This refers to the forty years Israel spent wandering in the desert after their liberation from Egypt. The "wilderness" (Hebrew: *midbâr*) was a barren, unsown land, meaning it yielded no crops and offered no natural sustenance. Its significance lies in the fact that during this period, Israel was entirely dependent on God for daily provision (manna, water) and guidance (pillar of cloud/fire). "Wentest after me" signifies their active obedience and following of God's lead. This time, despite its challenges, is remembered by God as a period of unique intimacy and singular devotion, where Israel, having nothing else, clung solely to Him. It serves as a stark contrast to their later apostasy when they settled in the fertile land and forgot the Lord who provided for them, as recounted in [Deuteronomy 8](/deuteronomy/8 "Deuteronomy 8 - Remembering God's Provision in the Wilderness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 2:2 speaks directly to ancient Israel, its themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "kindness of thy youth" and "love of thine espousals" foreshadow the new covenant relationship established through Jesus Christ. Israel's failure to maintain their "first love" ultimately led to judgment, but God's enduring memory and desire for a pure relationship are perfectly realized in Christ. Jesus, the true Bridegroom, enters into an unbreakable covenant with His church, a relationship founded not on human fidelity, but on His perfect sacrifice and unfailing grace ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The church, as the Bride of Christ, is called to a "first love" that is sustained by the Holy Spirit, remembering the cost of her redemption and the boundless love of her Savior ([Revelation 2:4-5](/revelation/2-4 "Revelation 2:4-5 - The Call to Remember First Love")). Furthermore, the wilderness experience, where Israel was utterly dependent on God, points to Christ's own forty days in the wilderness, where He perfectly trusted and obeyed the Father, inaugurating a new way of following God in complete reliance ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness")). Through Christ, believers are empowered to follow God faithfully, even in the "unsown lands" of life, knowing that He is the ultimate provision and the one who perfectly fulfills the covenant of love, drawing His people into an eternal espousal that will culminate in the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 16:60

¶ Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.

Ezekiel 16:8

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time [was] the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

Jeremiah 11:6

Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.

Isaiah 63:7

¶ I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, [and] the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

Isaiah 63:14

As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.

Hosea 2:15

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 8:2

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.