Jeremiah’s message came while Israel was exiled from Jerusalem and the

Israelites were questioning their relationship with God. The land God had

led them to and given them had been taken—did this mean they had fallen

out of God’s favor? In this passage, God is lifted up not as a judge, but as

a nurturing parent who wants prosperity for the Israelites. God will rescue

them and comfort and care for them. God also calls the Israelites to live as

the family they are designed to be, in right relationship with God and with

one another.