The period of exile makes me think of a great big time out for the people of God. They are behaving inappropriately and ungratefully and disobediently, not appreciating the Lord and the favor he has bestowed on him. So -- they must be removed from the situation in order to get their priorities straight. They will be made to long for the God and the land that they now take for granted and so abuse. Then, when they have ordered their minds and repented of their sins, they will be welcomed back to live a life that gives to God the worship and obedience that is due him and that will make them happy and prosperous in their lives.
A succinct description of the whole scenario is found in this chapter, as the Lord speaks to Jeremiah to explain why he had him buy a field:
(the Lord speaking)
33 They turned their backs to me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline. 34 They set up their abominable idols in the house that bears my Name and defiled it. 35 They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters [c] to Molech, though I never commanded, nor did it enter my mind, that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin.
37 I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. 38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. 41 I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.
42 "This is what the LORD says: As I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them.
The phrase "they turned their backs on me and not their faces" is a great summary, and great description of what our position before God can be. It makes me think of Adam and Eve, hiding and unable to 'face' God after they sinned. It makes me think of Vic standing and turning his back when John Meyer stood at the pulpit talking about the need for abortion. It is a strong statement to turn your back on someone, and that is what Israel and Judah have done.
God desires to see our faces, not our backs. He desires also 'singleness of heart and action' and for us to 'fear' him for our own good and the good of our children.
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