Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 2:14

"Is Israel a servant? is he a home-born [slave]? why is he become a prey?" — Jeremiah 2:14 (ASV)

It was Israel’s glory to be Yahweh’s servant (Jeremiah 30:10), and slaves born in the house were more prized than those bought with money as being more faithful (Genesis 14:14). Cannot Yahweh guard His own household? How does it happen that a member of so powerful a family is spoiled? In the next verse the prophet gives the reason. Israel is a runaway slave, who has deserted the family to which he belongs by right of birth, and thereby brought upon himself trouble and misery.