Jeremiah 3:14

Children. Literally, “sons.” Like the father in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, God would welcome these sons who were wandering in a far country.

Am married. Heb. ba‘al, “to take possession of a woman as bride or wife,” or, “to rule.” The LXX, adopting the second meaning, renders the clause, “I will rule over you.” Note the mixed metaphors in this verse. First Israel is compared with sons that have wandered away, then to a wife who has departed from her husband (see Jer. 31:32; cf. Isa. 54:5; Hosea 2:19, 20).

One of a city. The prophet contemplated the return of only a few. The truly penitent would constitute but a small remnant. Men would be dealt with as individuals.

Family. Heb. mishpachah, “a clan,” or “a subdivision of a tribe.” “Family” here denotes a major subdivision larger than a city, in fact, one that might include many cities. That two were to be taken from a “family,” whereas only “one” from a city, further supports the idea (see Gen. 10:5; 12:3; cf. 22:18). It should be noted that the word for “city” may denote a unit of any size, from a village to a large city.