DIVER for Jeremiah 31:3

D - Define the Context of the Text

1. Nature of the Text: Saying of the LORD

2. Observe the text surrounding the text: the verse is part of a speech in which God promise for a restoration of the people of Israel. (Vs.1-22)

I - Identify the Structure of the Text:

(statement) The LORD appeared to us in the past saying:

"I have Loved you with an Everlasting Love" (A)

"I have drawn you with loving kindness" (A')

The statement A and A' is considered as hendiadys, in which two expression led to the same ideas. It was confirmed in the hebrew text (BHS).

The noun "ahaba" in which the word "everlasting love" constructed first, before the verb "aheb" in which the emphasis was placed on the word ahaba itself.

V - Verify the important word:

Everlasting love: ahaba olam

Ahaba - noun

The Word Ahaba, is often used in the expression of love between husband and wife. The same word "ahaba" appeared in the story of Jacob and Rachel (Gen 29:20) to show the love that bloom between the two person, the same word ahaba appeared in the book of Songs of Solomon. At least 4 times (and more) the word ahaba is used to express the passion and love between Solomon and his lover. However, the word is not limited to the relationship of husband and wife. Jonathan and David loving relationship was described with the word "ahaba" as well even though it is not very common

Olam - noun

The word "olam" appeared 300 times in the Old Testament. This word used to describe the distance that are not measured. Most of the time, the word described the future with no end, vast and unmeasurable.

Draw: mashak

This word, in this particular verse described as "to extend", that in a distance God is reaching out into His subject. It was His action.

Loving Kindness: hesed

This word is not just a simple loving kindness in english expression. The Hebrew word itself often used in the term where covenant relationship exist. Means, its binding legally, morally, and completely both parties that went into the relationship. The word often used to describe God's love toward human, in particular the story of the patriarch and exodus. Where covenant theology is the main idea of how God relates to His people.

E - Explore the Cultural, Historical, and Archeological Background

The text was part of God's promise to the remnant of the northern Israelites after the the Assyrian conquered Israelites in 722 BC. Vs.5,6,9 is the internal evidence of this event

R - Read the Theological Message:

1. What is the message for the first hearer: that God loves them despite their rebellion and unfaithfulness

2. What is the message for the present hearer: God's love goes beyond who we are and what we can imagine.