Go and cry. If Jeremiah was in Anathoth, he is now commanded to leave and go to Jerusalem for his prophetic labors.
I remember thee. Literally, “I remember for thee,” in thy favor, or to thy credit (see Neh. 5:19, where “think upon me,” is literally, “remember for me”).
Kindness of thy youth. Grammatically the phrase may mean either the kindness of God toward Israel or Israel’s kindness toward God. Here the latter seems to be emphasized. In her youth Israel had responded to the wooing of God’s love. In poetic figure God is represented as the Lover and Israel as His betrothed.
Espousals. Literally, “betrothal time,” or “state of being a bride.” The bridal state was at the beginning of her history.
A land ... not sown. Israel demonstrated the sincerity of her love by forsaking the comparative comforts and security statute of Egypt in order to follow God in the barren wilderness.
Holiness. Or, “a holy thing” (see on Deut. 7:6).
The firstfruits. The figure of first fruits was familiar to the Jews (see on Ex. 23:19; Num. 18:12, 13). Israel was as the most precious part of the harvest, the part that was dedicated as God’s portion.
Shall offend. No heathen nation was to be allowed to devour Israel (Jer. 10:25; 50:7; cf. Deut. 7:16).