Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 31 - Verse 18

This verse from the book of Jeremiah captures the sentiment of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel, as they lament their experience of being chastised by God. Ephraim acknowledges the discipline they have received, comparing it to the chastisement of a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke. This imagery conveys the sense of struggle and discomfort that comes with being corrected or disciplined. Despite this, Ephraim expresses a willingness to be turned back to the right path by the Lord, trusting in God's ability to guide and restore them. The verse reflects a recognition of the consequences of their actions and a desire for repentance and reconciliation with God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, repentance, and faith in God's ability to bring about transformation in our lives.

This verse from the book of Jeremiah captures the profound longing and repentance of Ephraim as he reflects on the discipline he received from the Lord. The word "chastised" in this passage comes from the Hebrew word "yasar," which means to discipline, instruct, or correct. In Ephraim's lament, he acknowledges that he has been chastised by the Lord like a young ox being trained to bear a yoke for the first time. The imagery of the unaccustomed bullock struggling to adapt to the yoke conveys Ephraim's own difficulty in submitting to the discipline of the Lord. Despite the pain and discomfort of the discipline, Ephraim recognizes that he needs to be turned or restored by the Lord. The word "turned" in this verse is derived from the Hebrew word "shub," which means to return, restore, or repent. Ephraim's plea for God to turn him reflects his desire for spiritual renewal and restoration. Ultimately, Ephraim affirms his faith in the Lord by declaring, "for thou art the LORD my God." This confession of faith expresses Ephraim's belief in God's sovereign power to transform his heart and lead him back to righteousness.