Jeremiah 3:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Have you not referred to me as your home, father, and guide? I say this considering your previous stance towards me, which is illustrated by the titles: father, spouse, and protector of purity. In other words, you have not acknowledged that I have claimed you as my own, taking on the role of father and spouse while leading a virgin into my house. Have you not used these terms of closeness with me?

From this moment onward, call out to me, ‘My Father, you are the sovereign of my purity! Will you remain wrathful forever, or will your anger last until the end? Those who refuse to return to their Father should be filled with shame and listen: henceforth, call to me, ‘My Father, you are the guardian of my chastity! He Himself unites your soul to His love, providing guidance on how to pray and seek forgiveness. Yet, the more merciful He is in revealing the path to redemption after transgressions, the more contemptible is the wayward woman who rejects healing from her wounds. Look, you have spoken and acted in ways that are wrong and irreverent. Instead of expressing true repentance, you have uttered words of pride; you have carried out your evil intentions and demonstrated your strength against your spouse, believing you can accomplish what you have declared.

Have you not, in times past, assigned me these familial titles, referring to me as father, or as the spouse of purity, or as a stronghold? For the blessed David also declares, ‘Be unto me a defender in God, and a refuge in the house of refuge, that I may be saved’ (Psalm 30:3).

God calls out to Israel, as well as to every sinner today, with these words: “The behavior of the unfaithful woman has been directed toward you, you will not feel disgrace; from now on, call upon Me, saying, My Father, You are the guardian of my purity” (Jeremiah 3:3, 4). Here, notice that the same individual is referred to both as a harlot and as a virgin: “The behavior of a harlot's spouse is directed toward you,” denoting the harlot; “Call to Me, My Father, and the guardian of my purity,” referring to the virgin. First, the harlot is mentioned, then the virgin. Why is this so? It is because through genuine and prolonged repentance, the purity of virginity is restored. If you desire further clarity on this, listen. Do you recognize who closely follows Christ our Lord?