Jeremiah 3:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The sound of lamentation was heard. From this, we understand that in times of trouble, it is essential not only to grieve and weep, but primarily to implore the Lord, as He speaks of both weeping and prayer. Neither sorrow alone can accomplish anything, nor can prayer be effective without the fervor of tears; this is the value of hardship. A voice of lamentation recalls the events that transpired during the reign of Josiah.

A voice resounds along the paths, the wailing of the children of Israel, acknowledging their wrongdoings and their neglect of the Lord their God. “Return, O children who have strayed, and I will restore your brokenness,” as some translations render it, “conversion.” God graciously embraces those who repent and comes forth to greet the son weighed down by poverty and distress, immediately draping him in his former garments and honoring him upon his return—provided he returns with genuine sorrow and mourning. They have erred through their own doings and forgotten the Lord God, their Father. The prophetic declaration calls out, “Return, O sons of those who turn back.” I refer to you as sons because, upon realizing your transgressions, you return to the Father with pain and lament.