Introduction to Jeremiah 2:2
Jeremiah 2:2 opens a prophetic lament recalling Israel’s early faithfulness to YHWH. The verse presents a divine remembrance of Israel’s loyalty during the Exodus, using the construct phrase חֶ֣סֶד נְעוּרַ֔יִךְ (“the devotion of your youth”). This expression carries covenantal overtones, likening Israel’s relationship with YHWH to that of a newlywed bride.
Through the imagery of marriage and wilderness dependence, the verse highlights a contrast between past devotion and present rebellion. This study will analyze the construct phrase, the syntax of divine remembrance, and the theological implications of Israel’s covenantal love.
הָלֹ֡ךְ וְקָֽרָאתָ֩ בְאָזְנֵ֨י יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜ם לֵאמֹ֗ר כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה זָכַ֤רְתִּי לָךְ֙ חֶ֣סֶד נְעוּרַ֔יִךְ אַהֲבַ֖ת כְּלוּלֹתָ֑יִךְ לֶכְתֵּ֤ךְ אַחֲרַי֙ בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר בְּאֶ֖רֶץ לֹ֥א זְרוּעָֽה׃
Analysis of Key Words/Phrases
1. הָלֹ֡ךְ וְקָֽרָאתָ֩ בְאָזְנֵ֨י יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜ם (halok veqarata be’oznei Yerushalayim)
– Root: הָלַךְ (“to go”), קָרָא (“to call, proclaim”)
– Form: Infinitive absolute + Qal perfect 2nd masculine singular
– Translation: “Go and proclaim in the ears of Jerusalem”
– Function: Introduces a prophetic commission, emphasizing urgency and public declaration.
2. זָכַ֤רְתִּי לָךְ֙ (zakharti lakh)
– Root: זָכַר (“to remember”)
– Form: Qal perfect 1st person singular
– Translation: “I have remembered for you”
– Function: Indicates God’s active remembrance of past faithfulness.
3. חֶ֣סֶד נְעוּרַ֔יִךְ (ḥesed ne’urayikh)
– Root: חֶסֶד (“faithfulness, covenant loyalty”), נְעוּרִים (“youth”)
– Form: Construct noun phrase
– Translation: “The devotion of your youth”
– Function: Expresses Israel’s early covenantal love for YHWH.
4. אַהֲבַ֖ת כְּלוּלֹתָ֑יִךְ (ahavat kelulotayikh)
– Root: אַהֲבָה (“love”), כְּלוּלִים (“wedding, espousal”)
– Translation: “The love of your betrothal”
– Function: Strengthens the marriage metaphor, portraying Israel as YHWH’s bride.
5. לֶכְתֵּ֤ךְ אַחֲרַי֙ בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר (lekhtayikh aḥarai bamidbar)
– Root: הָלַךְ (“to walk, follow”)
– Translation: “Your walking after Me in the wilderness”
– Function: Implies trust and dependence on YHWH, recalling the Exodus journey.
6. בְּאֶ֖רֶץ לֹ֥א זְרוּעָֽה (be’eretz lo zeru’ah)
– Root: זָרַע (“to sow”)
– Translation: “In a land not sown”
– Function: Highlights the barrenness of the wilderness and Israel’s dependence on divine provision.
Explanation of Grammatical Function
The Construct Phrase חֶסֶד נְעוּרַיִךְ (“The Devotion of Your Youth”)
– חֶסֶד (“loyalty, faithfulness”) is in construct with נְעוּרַיִךְ (“your youth”).
– Function: Expresses Israel’s early covenantal love.
– Parallel in Hosea 2:19: “I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness (בֶּאֱמוּנָה).”
The Metaphor of Betrothal and Covenant Fidelity
– Marriage metaphor:
– “Love of your betrothal” = Early Israelite devotion (Exodus 19).
– “Walking after Me” = Commitment to YHWH’s guidance.
– Contrast with later rebellion (Jeremiah 3:1-2):
– Israel, once a faithful bride, is later described as an unfaithful spouse.
The Syntax of Divine Remembrance (זָכַ֤רְתִּי לָךְ)
– Qal perfect verb זָכַר (“to remember”) expresses past action with ongoing significance.
– The indirect object לָךְ (“for you”) → Indicates God’s remembrance is for Israel’s benefit.
Theological Implications of Israel as YHWH’s Bride
1. Covenantal Loyalty and Apostasy
– Israel’s early devotion is contrasted with later unfaithfulness.
2. Divine Faithfulness Despite Israel’s Failure
– Even when Israel strays, YHWH still remembers the early relationship.
3. The Wilderness as a Test of Faith
– Israel’s dependence in the desert symbolizes a time of purity before idolatry.
The Role of “The Devotion of Your Youth” in Prophetic Covenant Theology
Jeremiah 2:2 uses the construct phrase חֶסֶד נְעוּרַיִךְ to evoke Israel’s early loyalty. The marriage metaphor reinforces the depth of the covenant between YHWH and His people.
Thus, this verse serves as both a reminder of past devotion and a rebuke of present unfaithfulness, calling Israel to return to its first love.
