Jeremiah 31:20
Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD. Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 31:20 stands within the prophecy of Israel's restoration. It speaks to those in exile. It assures them that God's promise to restore them is sure.
Even when God must speak against Ephraim for wrongdoing, He still earnestly remembers him as His dear son and pleasant child. That remembrance is deep affection and abiding love toward an erring child. His bowels are troubled for him and His heart yearns with compassion toward him. Moved by that yearning, He will surely have mercy upon him.