November 14, 2022

Jeremiah 31:1-6 (HCSB)
God’s Relationship with His People 31 “At that time”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be My people.” 2 This is what the Lord says: They found favor in the wilderness — the people who survived the sword. When Israel went to find rest, 3 the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you. 4 Again I will build you so that you will be rebuilt, Virgin Israel. You will take up your tambourines again and go out in joyful dancing. 5 You will plant vineyards again on the mountains of Samaria; the planters will plant and will enjoy the fruit. 6 For there will be a day when watchmen will call out in the hill country of Ephraim, “Get up, let’s go up to Zion, to Yahweh our God!”

Neil Andrews
In Jeremiah 1, the Spirit of prophecy came upon him at a young age. It’s important to remember God empowered him with that gift and that Jeremiah delivered a word from YHWH. not his own…even as he objected to God (Jer. 1:7). Following Jeremiah’s prophecies which admonished the sinfulness of God’s chosen people, Jeremiah 31 (often called the book of consolation or comfort) would have been viewed as an undeniable reassurance that YHWH had not turned from His people and that they would have an amazing future following their judgment.  Through Jeremiah’s prophecies, God promises immediate and ultimate hope to his people A primary theme throughout this section is that God restores what has been devastated. “I will be their God…and they will be my people” is a foundational statement establishing that the time of the broken covenant is finished - YHWH is reestablishing the covenant relationship with His chosen people, Israel. After each preceding chapter about judgment, it’s a little unusual to talk about love. Yet the writings here move from castigation to solace, somewhat like a parent disciplining their child. With the clarity of Jeremiah 31:1-3, there should be no question of God’s love for His people and promise to save them.