Jeremiah 3:11

11 Yahweh said to me, Backsliding Israel has shown herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.

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 It happened through the lightness of her prostitution, that the land was polluted, and she committed adultery with stones and with stocks.

10 Yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not returned to me with her whole heart, but only in pretense, says Yahweh.

11 Yahweh said to me, Backsliding Israel has shown herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.

12 Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, you backsliding Israel, says Yahweh; I will not look in anger on you; for I am merciful, says Yahweh, I will not keep [anger] forever.

13 Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against Yahweh your God, and have scattered your ways to the strangers under every green tree, and you have not obeyed my voice, says Yahweh.