Jeremias 3:11

11 And the Lord said to me, Israel has justified himself more than faithless Juda.

Jeremias 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.

Jeremias 3:11 In-Context

9 And her fornication was nothing accounted of; and she committed adultery with wood and stone.

10 And for all these things faithless Juda turned not to me with all her heart, but falsely.

11 And the Lord said to me, Israel has justified himself more than faithless Juda.

12 Go and read these words toward the north, and thou shalt say, Return to me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord; and I will not set my face against you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not be angry with you for ever.

13 Nevertheless, know thine iniquity, that thou hast sinned against the Lord thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to strangers under every shady tree, but thou didst not hearken to my voice, saith the Lord.