The Restoration of Israel and Judah
This series of messages is mostly positive, with...
This series of messages is mostly positive, with only two verses having a judgmental tone (Jeremiah 30:23–24). They describe the positive outcomes of Jerusalem's destruction and the Exile.
People often call these four chapters "The Book...
People often call these four chapters "The Book of Consolation," a highlight in Old Testament revelation. Unlike the many judgment messages Jeremiah gave his people, these messages are full of hope and promise a wonderful future restoration.
1This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you. 3For behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will restore from captivity† My people Israel and Judah, declares the LORD. I will restore them to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they will possess it.’”
4These are the words that the LORD spoke concerning Israel and Judah. 5Yes, this is what the LORD says:
“A cry of panic is heard—a cry of terror, not of peace.6Ask now, and see:Can a male give birth?Why then do I see every manwith his hands on his stomach like a woman in laborand every face turned pale?7How awful that day will be!None will be like it!It is the time of Jacob’s distress,but he will be saved out of it.8On that day,declares the LORD of Hosts,I will break the yoke off their necksand tear off their bonds,and no longer will strangers enslave them.9Instead, they will serve the LORD their Godand David their king,whom I will raise up for them.10As for you, O Jacob My servant, do not be afraid,declares the LORD,and do not be dismayed,O Israel.For I will surely save you out of a distant place,your descendants from the land of their captivity!Jacob will return to quiet and ease,with no one to make him afraid.11For I am with you to save you,declares the LORD.Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have scattered you,I will not completely destroy you.Yet I will discipline you justly,and will by no means leave you unpunished.”
The exiles experienced an injury (a grievous wound)...
The exiles experienced an injury (a grievous wound) due to their many sins.
your lovers: The Lord used these terms for nations, especially Egypt, that had been Judah’s trusted friends (see Jeremiah 4:30; Ezekiel 16:15–63).
The exiles experienced an injury (a grievous wound) due to their many sins.
your lovers: The Lord used these terms for nations, especially Egypt, that had been Judah’s trusted friends (see Jeremiah 4:30; Ezekiel 16:15–63).
12For this is what the LORD says:
“Your injury is incurable;your wound is grievous.13There is no one to plead your cause,no remedy for your sores,no recovery for you.14All your lovers have forgotten you;they no longer seek you,for I have struck you as an enemy would,with the discipline of someone cruel,because of your great iniquityand your numerous sins.15Why do you cry out over your wound?Your pain has no cure!Because of your great iniquityand your numerous sinsI have done these things to you.16Nevertheless, all who devour you will be devoured,and all your adversaries—every one of them—will go off into exile.Those who plundered you will be plundered,and all who raided you will be raided.17But I will restore your health and heal your wounds,declares the LORD,because they call you an outcast,Zion, for whom no one cares.”18This is what the LORD says:
“I will restore the fortunes of† Jacob’s tentsand have compassion on his dwellings.And the city will be rebuilt on her own ruins,and the palace will stand in its rightful place.