The Bible Says
Jeremiah 2:1-3 Meaning

In Jeremiah 2:1-3, the prophet Jeremiah recounts how the LORD’s message came to him, beginning with, Now the word of the LORD came to me saying (v. 1). Jeremiah, who prophesied from around 627 BC until after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, serves as a faithful spokesman for God during tumultuous times. His prophetic ministry addresses the people of Judah, calling them back to the ways of the covenant. Here, he specifically starts by reminding them that the words he shares do not come from himself, but from God.

Next comes the divine instruction in Jeremiah 2:2: "Go and proclaim in the ears of Jerusalem, saying..." (v. 2a). The city of Jerusalem was once the grand capital of the united monarchy under King David (who ruled around 1010-970 BC) and then continued as the seat of the Davidic dynasty in the southern kingdom of Judah. Through the centuries, Jerusalem had grown in its religious and political importance, housing the Temple built by Solomon (who reigned from about 970-930 BC). Jeremiah is commanded to deliver the LORD’s word directly to these people, underscoring the gravity of the message.

Jeremiah introduces God’s recollection of Israel’s beginnings by declaring, "Thus says the LORD, 'I remember concerning you the devotion of your youth, The love of your betrothals, Your following after Me in the wilderness, Through a land not sown'" (v. 2). The wilderness period refers to the journey after the exodus from Egypt, when the Israelites relied on God for sustenance and direction. It was a place not yet cultivated, but the people trusted their divine covenant partner. God’s remembrance of that devotion sets the tone for the rest of Jeremiah’s message, highlighting that although Israel once followed closely, they have since drifted away.

The LORD continues, "Israel was holy to the LORD, The first of His harvest (v. 3). By describing Israel as holy, the text emphasizes a unique status of sanctification and distinction among the nations. God regarded them as set apart for a special purpose, just as the first portion of a harvest is often dedicated. This holy status set an expectation that Israel would remain faithful to the God who redeemed them from slavery and guided them through the wilderness.

When Jeremiah says, All who ate of it became guilty; Evil came upon them,” declares the LORD (v. 3), he conveys that those who exploited or harmed Israel would incur guilt and suffer consequences. God’s protection over His chosen people served as both a warning to the surrounding nations and a reassurance to Israel. In earlier biblical history, we see multiple accounts of adversaries facing divine judgment when they threatened or oppressed the people of God.

Throughout Jeremiah 2:1-3, the prophet combines history and invitation. By reminding the people of Judah of their beginnings, he is urging them to reflect on the covenant faithfulness of the LORD. Their identity was tied to God’s holiness, and remembering this foundational relationship was meant to stir repentance from spiritual unfaithfulness. Jeremiah speaks with both compassion and severity, echoing God’s heartfelt desire for Israel to return to Him and remain in the place of blessing.