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 Va, crie ces paroles vers le septentrion, et dis: Reviens, infidèle Israël! dit l'Eternel. Je ne jetterai pas sur vous un regard sévère; Car je suis miséricordieux, dit l'Eternel, Je ne garde pas ma colère à toujours.