Jeremiah — Chapter 3
Synopsis: Continuation of the adultery metaphor. God has given Israel a bill of divorce for idolatry, yet still invites her return (conversion). Second (v.7): Judah's sin is worse than Israel's because she saw Israel's example and still sinned. Third (v.14): Isaiah-like flight to Christ and the New Covenant — promise of pastors after God's own heart and the Ark of the Covenant replaced by the whole city of Jerusalem.
Verse 12
Go, and proclaim these words towards the north, and thou shalt say: Return, O rebellious Israel, saith the Lord, and I will not turn away my face from you: for I am holy, saith the Lord, and I will not be angry for ever. The call to repentance addressed to the northern kingdom (= 'the north' where they were exiled). God's readiness to receive the penitent: 'I will not be angry forever.' Lapide: God's mercy never ceases; even the most hardened soul can be received back if it returns.
Verse 15
And I will give you pastors according to my own heart, and they shall feed you with knowledge and doctrine. The promise of true pastors = applied primarily to the Apostles, secondarily to all holy bishops and priests. 'Pastors according to God's heart' = men of interior virtue and doctrinal fidelity, not mere administrators.
Verse 17
At that time Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the Lord: and all the nations shall be gathered together to it, in the name of the Lord to Jerusalem, and they shall not walk after the perversity of their most wicked heart. The eschatological Jerusalem (= the Church) as God's throne, to which all nations are gathered. The Ark of the Covenant will not be missed (v.16) because the whole Church will be God's dwelling place.