2:18-19 Remaining Faithful Israel deserted the Lord. First, they turned away from devotion to him and served idols (2:4); then they relied on foreign powers to save them when they were being threatened by Babylon (2:18). They thought other gods or foreign nations were better solutions to their problems than the God who loved and cared for them (2:6-7). While we may not have a choice in when or if our trials come to an end, we can choose whether we respond in faithfulness or let discouragement cause us to turn from God.
2:30 Responding to Discipline Jeremiah confronts the Israelites’ refusal to learn from God’s divine rebukes. When we behave like obstinate children, pain and suffering can be a forceful shout that awakens us, turns us back to loving God fully, and keeps us from the further consequences of sin (Heb 12:11).