Once again, the important Hebrew root shuv (turn
) is used to continue the theme of repentance. There is a clever play on two derivatives of shuv as meshuvah (faithless
or turned away
) Israel, is called on to shuv (return
or turn back
).1 This is not primarily a call to return from physical exile, but rather a call to return to the Lord in covenant faithfulness.2 This emphasis on true repentance being a sincere turning of the heart towards the Lord in contrition has already been seen in Jeremiah 3:10.
12 Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, “‘Return, faithless Israel,declares the LORD. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful,declares the LORD; I will not be angry forever.