ירמיהו, פרק ג׳, פסוק י״ב

A divine call of hope and reconciliation reaches out to the ten exiled tribes of Israel, promising them forgiveness despite their past failures.

The prophet receives a command to go forth, which sparks different understandings of his actual mission. One perspective views this as a literal instruction, requiring the prophet to physically travel and bring back the ten tribes during the reign of King Josiah [רש״י]. Alternatively, this command is simply an expression of urgent encouragement. According to this view, the prophet does not need to leave his place. Instead, he stands in Jerusalem, turns toward the north, and calls out his message as if speaking face to face with the exiles [רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. The primary approach among commentators is that this northward direction specifically targets Assyria, the region where the Kingdom of Israel was banished.

Following this call, God promises not to cast an angry presence upon them. Since a person's face naturally reveals their inner rage, this imagery represents divine anger [מצודת ציון]. God assures the people that He will not let His wrath rest upon them [מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ]. A deeper understanding suggests that the concept of God's face symbolizes His direct attention and providence, which can bring either blessing or hardship. In this context, God promises that He will not direct His attention toward punishing them [מלבי״ם].

The foundation for this forgiveness lies in God's declaration of His own kindness. Human beings often find it difficult to forgive an enemy, even when that enemy shows genuine regret [מצודת דוד]. God, however, offers abundant kindness and grants goodness far beyond what a person actually deserves. He forgives even those who have sinned deeply, who deserve destruction, and who have no personal merit to rely on [רד״ק, שטיינזלץ].

The message concludes with an assurance that God will not maintain hostility and anger [מצודת ציון]. This eternal guarantee applies to both aspects of His forgiveness: God will neither stay angry nor hold a grudge forever, because the moment the people return to Him, the hostility will vanish [מצודת דוד]. Ultimately, this promise points toward the end of days, a time when God will bring the exiles back after a long separation and gather them together with the exiles of Judah [רד״ק].