Jeremiah 3:11

11 Then ADONAI said to me, "Backsliding Isra'el has proved herself more righteous than unfaithful Y'hudah.

Jeremiah 3:11 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 3:11

And the Lord said unto me
To the Prophet Jeremiah, as in ( Jeremiah 3:6 ) and at or about the same time: the backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous
Judah;
that is, was comparatively more righteous; of the two she appeared the most righteous; though neither of them could vindicate their conduct, or justify themselves before God; see ( Luke 18:14 ) . Judah was most to blame, because that after Israel committed idolatry, and was carried captive, she took no warning by it, but fell into the same sin; and in Manasseh's time committed greater idolatries, and more wickedness, than ever Israel did; and more than even the Amorites themselves, and other Heathen nations, had done, ( 2 Kings 21:6-11 ) and though a reformation was made in Josiah's time, it was only feignedly, it was not cordial and hearty; and therefore she is all along here charged with perfidy and treachery.

Jeremiah 3:11 In-Context

9 The ease with which Isra'el prostituted herself defiled the land, as she committed adultery with stones and with logs.

10 Yet in spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Y'hudah has not returned to me wholeheartedly; she only makes a pretense of it," said ADONAI.

11 Then ADONAI said to me, "Backsliding Isra'el has proved herself more righteous than unfaithful Y'hudah.

12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north: '"Return, backsliding Isra'el," says ADONAI. "I will not frown on you, for I am merciful," says ADONAI. "I will not bear a grudge forever.

13 Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have committed crimes against ADONAI your God, that you were promiscuous with strangers under every green tree, and that you have not paid attention to my voice," says ADONAI.