In the cars of Jerusalem. Presumably Jeremiah had received his call at Anathoth (comp. Jeremiah 1:1). I remember thee, etc.; rather, I remember for thy good the kindness of thy youth. It is an open question whether the "kindness" spoken of is that of God towards the people, or of the people towards God.
The usage of the Hebrew (khesed) admits of either acceptation; comp. for the first, Psalms 5:7, Psalms 36:5, and many other passages; for the second, Hosea 6:4, Hosea 6:6 (in Hosea 6:6 rendering for "mercy," "goodness") and Isaiah 57:1 (rendering "men of piety").
But the context, which dwells so strongly on the oblivion into which the Divine benefits had been allowed to pass, is decidedly in favor of the first view. How beautiful is this condescending language!
Jehovah's past feelings come Back to him; at least, so it appears to the believer, when God lets the light of his countenance shine forth again (comp. Jeremiah 31:20; Hosea 9:10). He even condescends to overlook the weakness and inconsistency of the Israel of antiquity.
He idealizes it (i.e. Jeremiah is permitted to do so). This is in harmony with other prophetic passages (see Isaiah 1:26 ("as at the first"); Hosea 11:1, Hosea 11:3, Hosea 11:4; Ezekiel 16:6-14). The figure of the bride recurs constantly (see Hosea 2:19, Hosea 2:20; Isaiah 54:4, Isaiah 54:5; Ezekiel 16:8).
Thine espousals; rather, thy bridal state. When thou wentest after me (comp. Deuteronomy 8:2, "all the way which Jehovah thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness").