Learn From Your Sister

Chapter 3, verse 6 begins Jeremiah’s second message & it is a distinct prophecy that was probably given at a different time from the first message (c.2:2-3:5). Yet the content of this prophecy is logically related to the first message & forms a fitting conclusion to that message. Basically, the theme of these two messages is GOD summoning the nation to repent & return. According to verse 6, this second message is dated “during the reign of King Josiah.”

As we shall see, GOD revealed to Jeremiah the story of two sisters - Israel & Judah. Even after the people of GOD, the Jewish people, divided into two kingdoms—the northern kingdom consisting of 10 tribes & the southern of 2, generally referred to as Israel & Judah—they were still considered sisters by GOD (they were still family, divided as they were, they were family). And GOD basically pleads with Judah to learn from her sister’s mistakes.