Jeremiah 31
BSB1 “At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be My people." 2 This is what the LORD says: “The people who survived the sword found favor in the wilderness when Israel went to find rest." 3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion. 4 Again I will build you, and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out in joyful dancing. 5 Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant and enjoy the fruit. 6 For there will be a day when watchmen will call out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Arise, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God!’" 7 For this is what the LORD says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations! Make your praises heard, and say, ‘O LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!’ 8 Behold, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, including the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor. They will return as a great assembly! 9 They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn." 10 Hear, O nations, the word of the LORD, and proclaim it in distant coastlands: “The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock. 11 For the LORD has ransomed Jacob and redeemed him from the hand that had overpowered him. 12 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD— the grain, new wine, and oil, and the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and never again will they languish. 13 Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow. 14 I will fill the souls of the priests abundantly, and will fill My people with My goodness,” declares the LORD. 15 This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." 16 This is what the LORD says: “Keep your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for the reward for your work will come, declares the LORD. Then your children will return from the land of the enemy. 17 So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children will return to their own land. 18 I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God. 19 After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’ 20 Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD. 21 “Set up the roadmarks, establish the signposts. Keep the highway in mind, the road you have traveled. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to these cities of yours. 22 How long will you wander, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing in the land— a woman will shelter a man." 23 This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “When I restore them from captivity, they will once again speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities: ‘May the LORD bless you, O righteous dwelling place, O holy mountain.’ 24 And Judah and all its cities will dwell together in the land, the farmers and those who move with the flocks, 25 for I will refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak." 26 At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been most pleasant to me. 27 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and of beast. 28 Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, to demolish, destroy, and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the LORD. 29 “In those days, it will no longer be said: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge.’ 30 Instead, each will die for his own iniquity. If anyone eats the sour grapes, his own teeth will be set on edge. 31 Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt— a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them, " declares the LORD. 33 “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. 34 No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more." 35 Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day, who sets in order the moon and stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name: 36 “Only if this fixed order departed from My presence, declares the LORD, would Israel’s descendants ever cease to be a nation before Me." 37 This is what the LORD says: “Only if the heavens above could be measured and the foundations of the earth below searched out would I reject all of Israel’s descendants because of all they have done,” declares the LORD. 38 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when this city will be rebuilt for Me, from the tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. 39 The measuring line will once again stretch out straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn toward Goah. 40 The whole valley of the dead bodies and ashes, and all the fields as far as the Kidron Valley, to the corner of the Horse Gate to the east, will be holy to the LORD. It will never again be uprooted or demolished."
Study Notes — Jeremiah 31
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Jeremiah 31
- Themes from Jeremiah 31
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Jeremiah 31
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Jeremiah 31 begins with a message of comfort and restoration for the people of Israel, who have been disciplined by God for their sins. The chapter emphasizes the eternal nature of God's love for His people, citing the example of His love for the patriarchs (Jeremiah 31:3). Jeremiah then prophesies about the restoration of Israel, including the return of the people from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 31:4, 23-25, 38-40). A key aspect of this restoration is the establishment of a new covenant, one that will be written on the hearts of God's people, enabling them to know and obey Him (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The chapter concludes with a vision of a future time when God's people will be fully restored and will live in peace and prosperity, with God as their King.
Context for the Chapter
Jeremiah 31 is part of the book of Jeremiah, which is a collection of prophetic messages delivered by the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah during the 7th century BC. The chapter is situated within the larger context of the book, which emphasizes the themes of judgment, restoration, and redemption. Jeremiah 31 is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, as it prophesies about the new covenant that will be established through Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
As believers in Christ, we can apply the principles of Jeremiah 31 to our lives by recognizing the reality of the new covenant and the internal transformation that it brings. We can trust in God's faithfulness and love, knowing that He has written His law on our hearts and that we are enabled to obey Him through the power of the Holy Spirit.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Jeremiah 31 is a chapter about God's plan to restore and redeem His people. It talks about a new covenant that God will make with His people, where He will write His law on their hearts and they will be able to obey Him. This chapter is important because it shows us that God loves us and wants to have a personal relationship with us. As it says in Jeremiah 31:3, "The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.""
Voices from the Church
“The new covenant is a covenant of grace, and it is this that makes all the difference between the old and the new. The old covenant was a covenant of works, but the new covenant is a covenant of faith.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The internal transformation of God's people is a work of the Holy Spirit, who writes the law of God on their hearts and enables them to obey Him.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Restoration (Jeremiah 31:1-6) — The chapter begins with a message of comfort and restoration for the people of Israel, emphasizing God's eternal love for them.
- The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) — Jeremiah prophesies about the new covenant, which will be written on the hearts of God's people, enabling them to know and obey Him.
- The Restoration of Israel (Jeremiah 31:4, 23-25, 38-40) — The chapter describes the restoration of Israel, including the return of the people from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
- The Eternal Nature of God's Love (Jeremiah 31:3) — The chapter emphasizes the eternal nature of God's love for His people, citing the example of His love for the patriarchs.
- The Future of God's People (Jeremiah 31:35-37) — The chapter concludes with a vision of a future time when God's people will be fully restored and will live in peace and prosperity, with God as their King.
Core Doctrines
- The New Covenant
- The chapter teaches about the new covenant, which is a pivotal aspect of God's plan for the restoration of His people. The new covenant involves a direct, internal transformation of God's people, enabling them to know and obey Him.
- The Internal Transformation of God's People
- The chapter implies the role of the Holy Spirit in the internal transformation of God's people, as they are enabled to know and obey God through the power of the Spirit.
- The Eternal Nature of God's Love
- The chapter emphasizes the eternal nature of God's love for His people, citing the example of His love for the patriarchs.
- The Restoration of Israel
- The chapter describes the restoration of Israel, including the return of the people from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Lessons from Jeremiah 31
- The Importance of God's Covenant — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's covenant with His people, as it represents a personal, intimate relationship between God and His people.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives — The chapter implies the role of the Holy Spirit in the internal transformation of God's people, as they are enabled to know and obey God through the power of the Spirit.
- The Eternal Nature of God's Love — The chapter emphasizes the eternal nature of God's love for His people, citing the example of His love for the patriarchs.
- The Restoration of God's People — The chapter describes the restoration of God's people, including the return of the people from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
- The Implications of the New Covenant for Our Daily Lives — The chapter has implications for our daily lives as believers in Christ, as we are enabled to know and obey God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Themes from Jeremiah 31
- Restoration and Redemption — The chapter emphasizes the theme of restoration and redemption, as God's people are brought back to a right relationship with Him.
- The New Covenant — The chapter teaches about the new covenant, which is a pivotal aspect of God's plan for the restoration of His people.
- The Internal Transformation of God's People — The chapter implies the role of the Holy Spirit in the internal transformation of God's people, as they are enabled to know and obey God through the power of the Spirit.
- The Eternal Nature of God's Love — The chapter emphasizes the eternal nature of God's love for His people, citing the example of His love for the patriarchs.
- The Restoration of Israel — The chapter describes the restoration of Israel, including the return of the people from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the new covenant mean for believers in Christ?
- How does the internal transformation of God's people relate to the work of the Holy Spirit?
- What is the significance of God's eternal love for His people?
- How does the restoration of Israel relate to the broader biblical narrative?
- What are the implications of the new covenant for our daily lives as believers in Christ?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Restoration (Jeremiah 31:1-6)
| Jeremiah 31:1 | The chapter begins with a message of comfort and restoration for the people of Israel, emphasizing God's eternal love for them. |
| Jeremiah 31:2 | The people of Israel are encouraged to find rest and safety in the love of God. |
2. The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
| Jeremiah 31:31 | Jeremiah prophesies about the new covenant, which will be written on the hearts of God's people, enabling them to know and obey Him. |
| Jeremiah 31:33 | The new covenant will be a direct, internal transformation of God's people, enabling them to know and obey God through the power of the Holy Spirit. |
3. The Restoration of Israel (Jeremiah 31:4, 23-25, 38-40)
| Jeremiah 31:4 | The chapter describes the restoration of Israel, including the return of the people from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. |
| Jeremiah 31:23 | The people of Israel will be restored to their land and will live in peace and prosperity. |
4. The Eternal Nature of God's Love (Jeremiah 31:3)
| Jeremiah 31:3 | The chapter emphasizes the eternal nature of God's love for His people, citing the example of His love for the patriarchs. |
5. The Future of God's People (Jeremiah 31:35-37)
| Jeremiah 31:35 | The chapter concludes with a vision of a future time when God's people will be fully restored and will live in peace and prosperity, with God as their King. |
| Jeremiah 31:36 | The people of Israel will be established as a nation forever, and they will never again be uprooted from their land. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new covenant?
The new covenant is a covenant of grace, where God writes His law on the hearts of His people, enabling them to know and obey Him (Jeremiah 31:33).
How does the internal transformation of God's people relate to the work of the Holy Spirit?
The internal transformation of God's people is a work of the Holy Spirit, who writes the law of God on their hearts and enables them to obey Him (Jeremiah 31:33).
What is the significance of God's eternal love for His people?
The eternal nature of God's love for His people is a foundation for the restoration and redemption of God's people, as it represents a personal, intimate relationship between God and His people (Jeremiah 31:3).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 31:31 → Hebrews 8:8-12 | The new covenant prophesied in Jeremiah 31 is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the mediator of this covenant. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 31:33 → Hebrews 10:16-17 | The internal transformation of God's people is a work of the Holy Spirit, who writes the law of God on their hearts and enables them to obey Him. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 31:3 → Psalm 103:17 | The eternal nature of God's love for His people is a foundation for the restoration and redemption of God's people. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 31:4 → Isaiah 11:11-12 | The restoration of Israel is a key aspect of God's plan for the redemption of His people. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 31:23 → Ezekiel 37:21-22 | The people of Israel will be restored to their land and will live in peace and prosperity. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 31:35 → Genesis 8:22 | The chapter concludes with a vision of a future time when God's people will be fully restored and will live in peace and prosperity, with God as their King. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 31:36 → Jeremiah 33:20-21 | The people of Israel will be established as a nation forever, and they will never again be uprooted from their land. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 31:37 → Isaiah 54:9-10 | The people of Israel will be fully restored and will live in peace and prosperity, with God as their King. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 31:31 → Luke 22:20 | The new covenant is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the mediator of this covenant. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 31:33 → 2 Corinthians 3:3 | The internal transformation of God's people is a work of the Holy Spirit, who writes the law of God on their hearts and enables them to obey Him. |
Sermons on Jeremiah 31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Christ Explains the Law by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Matthew chapter 5 and the importance of understanding Jesus' intentions at Calvary. The sermon focuses on the proper interpretatio |
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Jehovah Rohi - the Lord Is My Shepherd by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of walking on a beach at night during a financial crisis. He expresses his need for God's presence, love, and assurance. As |
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The Voice of God's Love by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of revelation and how it relates to our understanding of the human condition. He acknowledges that we already know that the creati |
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(John - Part 28): The Basis of True Conversion by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the misconception that God is constantly watching for the devil's next move and trying to block him. He argues that this belief leads to a la |
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(Hebrews - Part 23): Old Covenant Was Provisional by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the internal struggle between the flesh and the spirit. He refers to the 7th chapter of Romans, where a holy man expresses his frustration wi |
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The Knowledge of God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of knowing and understanding God. He quotes Jeremiah 9:23-24, where God declares that true boasting should come fr |
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Baptism by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, Jacob Prast discusses the topic of baptism, specifically focusing on water baptism. He references Colossians 2:12, which speaks about being buried with Jesus in bap |
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Jehovah Rapha by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the experience of soldiers being cast into the sea and their subsequent celebration. He emphasizes that there is something of God that will |
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(1 John #10) Ring of Reality by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obedience to God's commandments as a test of genuine discipleship. He emphasizes that those who truly know God and abide in |
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You Can Come Back to His Love by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the profound love of God for His children, highlighting the struggle many believers face in truly accepting and believing in this love. It addresses the burd |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 31
Matthew Henry's commentary on Jeremiah 31 emphasizes the theme of restoration and redemption, as God's people are brought back to a right relationship with Him. The new covenant is a pivotal aspect of this restoration, as it involves a direct, internal transformation of God's people, enabling them to know and obey Him. Henry notes that this covenant is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the mediator of this covenant. The commentary also highlights the eternal nature of God's love for His people, citing the example of His love for the patriarchs. As Henry writes, 'The Lord has appeared to us in the past, saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness"' (Jeremiah 31:3). This love is the foundation for the restoration and redemption of God's people, and it is a theme that is woven throughout the chapter. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Eternal Love
The chapter emphasizes God's eternal love for His people, citing the example of His love for the patriarchs (Jeremiah 31:3). This love is the foundation for the restoration and redemption of God's people.
The Importance of the New Covenant
The new covenant is a pivotal aspect of God's plan for the restoration of His people, as it involves a direct, internal transformation of God's people, enabling them to know and obey Him.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The chapter implies the role of the Holy Spirit in the internal transformation of God's people, as they are enabled to know and obey God through the power of the Spirit.






