To begin our analysis of the text, it’s worth noting that in Jeremiah 22:13-19, the only one speaking is Yahweh the God of Israel. Since the passage begins with, “Thus says the Lord,” Yahweh speaks as if He were having a direct conversation with His listeners (i.e. in the first person), which tells us that this text is meant to be the dictated words of Yahweh Himself, not simply Jeremiah’s interpretation thereof. The tone of these words also characterizes Yahweh as very harsh and fearsome, thus standing in great contrast to 31:1-14. Like the former text, this passage also has Yahweh speaking in the first person, however it characterizes Him as compassionate and loving, emphasizing His mercy rather than His dread judgment. The reason for the big difference between the texts is that, whereas the former is an oracle of judgment, specifically a dirge, the latter is an oracle of salvation and assurance.
An Analysis of Jeremiah 22:13-19 and 31:1-14
An Analysis of Jeremiah 22:13-19 and 31:1-14
To begin our analysis of the text, it’s worth noting that in Jeremiah 22:13-19, the only one speaking is Yahweh the God of Israel. Since the passage begins with, “Thus says the Lord,” Yahweh speaks as if He were having a direct conversation with His listeners (i.e. in the first person), which tells us that this text is meant to be the dictated words of Yahweh Himself, not simply Jeremiah’s interpretation thereof. The tone of these words also characterizes Yahweh as very harsh and fearsome, thus standing in great contrast to 31:1-14. Like the former text, this passage also has Yahweh speaking in the first person, however it characterizes Him as compassionate and loving, emphasizing His mercy rather than His dread judgment. The reason for the big difference between the texts is that, whereas the former is an oracle of judgment, specifically a dirge, the latter is an oracle of salvation and assurance.