Jeremiah 16-18

[According to Jeremiah, the LORD says,] “Through your own fault you will lose the inheritance I gave you. I will enslave you to your enemies in a land you do not know, for you have kindled my anger, and it will burn forever.” (Jeremiah‬ ‭17:4‬)

Taken alone or taken in the context of Jeremiah’s many condemnations, this proclamation reflects on God as both angry and vengeful. I have difficulty trusting it as God’s final word toward the people of Judah, let alone God’s final message to humankind. I could be wrong. Maybe Judah went too far, and the LORD remains continually hostile with them. Perhaps humankind is entirely at fault, and God is permanently pissed off at us.

But I am looking for another final word from God, one that balances, if not rescinds, the image of God as both angry and vengeful. Will a Word of reconciliation come from Jeremiah the prophet? Will  peace between God and humankind be proclaimed by another prophet? Will hope spring up somewhere in sacred scripture? Will restoration become Gods final “final word” for human beings? Where is the larger context that balances, if not rescinds, Jeremiah’s reflection on God as both mad and bitter toward people?