Jeremiah 4:1-4

Our only hope is in Jesus. 

He alone is the truth, he alone is the light to mankind and he is the only one righteous! Believers are hidden in Him. Remain humble…it is everything to do with the righteousness of Jesus and nothing to do with ours.

Jesus alone saves.

The unhumbled heart is like ground which may be improved, being let out to us for that purpose, but which is as yet fallow, overgrown with weeds, its natural product. NKJ Study Bible. 

If the people of Israel would repent, they could return to Yahweh. The implication is that their confession in Jeremiah 3:25 has been heard, but verbal acknowledgment of their past sins is not enough to prove full repentance. They must change their behavior as well.

Circumcision was the sign of Israel’s covenant devotion to Yahweh, the outward symbol that identified them as a people set apart. Physical circumcision was intended to be an external sign of a changed heart. The concept of circumcision of the heart highlights both the intent of the external circumcision and Israel’s failure to actually give Yahweh the devotion represented by the act. Faithlife Bible.

The  phrase “The Lord Lives”was regularly used in oaths. When spoken by those faithful to the covenant it should have been a sign of truth, judgment, and righteousness. These three terms summarize the ultimate and ideal demands of the covenant. They are the standards by which all men, from kings to slaves, were and will be judged. 

The results of Israel’s justice and righteousness would have international consequences other nations would be blessed through them. Israel needed a new field in which to sow its seed of faithfulness, a radical departure from its ways of sin and idolatry. 

Circumcision was a sign of the covenant relationship between Israel and God. The intent of God was always that the outward symbol should be a sign of an inward reality of total devotion to Him. Jeremiah’s stern warning of judgment is given with the picture of an unquenchable fire. If the people did not repent of evil, destruction would come. NKJ Bible.

Jeremiah 4:1-4

1 “If you will return, O Israel,” says the Lord,

“Return to Me;

And if you will put away your abominations out of My sight,

Then you shall not be moved.

2 And you shall swear, ‘The Lord lives,’

In truth, in judgment, and in righteousness;

The nations shall bless themselves in Him,

And in Him they shall glory.”

3 For thus says the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem:

“Break up your fallow ground,

And do not sow among thorns.

4 Circumcise yourselves to the Lord,

And take away the foreskins of your hearts,

You men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem,

Lest My fury come forth like fire,

And burn so that no one can quench it,

Because of the evil of your doings.”

Hosea 10:12 | Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD,Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.

Zechariah 8:8 | I will bring them back, And they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. They shall be My people And I will be their God,I n truth and righteousness.’