DIVINE FORGIVENESS IN THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH

The theme of forgiveness occurs more often in the book of Jeremiah than in any other prophetical book. This emphasis is remarkable given the book’s overall message of impending doom. An exegetical and contextual analysis shows the development of this theme. The first stage presents the ultimate possibility of forgiveness on condition of Israel’s repentance. In the second stage, the possibility of forgiveness disappears, since Israel refuses to repent; prophetic intercession is forbidden now, and judgment cannot be averted anymore. But in the third stage, in a wonderful and surprising turnaround, God promises forgiveness once again, not because of Israel’s repentance, but because of his grace and love. Finally, forgiveness is an essential feature of the new covenant and the days of restoration.