REPENTANCE FROM SUFFERING

Rab Judah pointed out this contradiction: It is written: ‘Return ye backsliding children , I will heal your backsliding’, but it is also written: For I am a lord unto you. and I will take you one of a city. and two of a family? (Jeremiah / Yermiyahu 3:14)

This is no contradiction: The one verse speaks [of a return] out of love or fear; the other, when it comes as a result of suffering.

R. Jonathan said: Great is repentance, because it brings about redemption, as it is said And a redeemer will come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, (Isaiah / Yeshayahu 59:20) i.e., why will a redeemer come to Zion? Because of those that turn from transgression in Jacob.