Spring rain
fell in March and April and was vital to a successful harvest in Palestine.1 The rains, however, have stopped. The word therefore
( Jeremiah 3:3) makes it clear that this is a direct result of Judah’s behaviour described in Jeremiah 3:2. The Lord has stopped the rains as judgment on Judah’s unfaithfulness. This form of judgment is significant because Judah was especially tempted to worship Baal, who was believed to bring the rains. The Lord seems to be saying to Judah, if you worship Baal for rain and fertility, then I will withhold them to show you who is really in control
.2
3 Aussi les pluies ont-elles été retenues, Et la pluie du printemps a-t-elle manqué; Mais tu as eu le front d'une femme prostituée, Tu n'as pas voulu avoir honte.