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Jeremiah 31

40 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah 31 proclaims a hopeful restoration of Israel, the renewal of the covenant with God, and a vision of future blessing, while also warning of judgment for disobedience.

Summary

The chapter begins with God affirming His covenantal relationship with Israel, describing the nation as His people and promising grace for those left after judgment. It speaks of the land’s restoration—vines on the mountains, songs in Zion, and the gathering of Israel from the nations, including the downtrodden and the disabled. The text emphasizes God’s love and faithfulness, calling on the people to rejoice and trust in His promises. It then turns to the new covenant, in which God will write His law upon the hearts of the people, making Him their God and them His people. The covenant replaces the old agreement made at Exodus, underscoring a deeper, internalized relationship. The passage concludes with blessings for those who obey and warnings of judgment for those who do not, underscoring both hope and accountability.

Outline
  1. 1. Restoration and gathering of Israel
  2. 2. Declaration of the new covenant and internalization of law
  3. 3. Blessings and warnings for obedience and disobedience
Themes
Redemption and restorationCovenant renewal and internalization of lawHope with accountability
Keywords
covenantredemptionrestorationfaithhopeIsraelJudahEphraimheartlaw
People
LordIsraelEphraimJudahVirgin of IsraelRahel
Places
ZionSamariaMount EphraimMount RamahHananeelKidronGareb
Things
New covenantLaw written on heartsVines on mountainsSinging in ZionBlessing of grain, wine, oil
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 31:31: It announces the new covenant that will be written on the hearts of Israel and Judah, marking a fundamental change in the relationship.
  • Jeremiah 31:33: It explains how the law will be internalized, describing God as the true God of the people and their commitment to know Him.
Questions
  • What does the new covenant reveal about the nature of God’s relationship with His people?
  • How does the theme of internalizing the law differ from the external observance seen earlier in the Bible?
  • In what ways does the chapter balance promises of blessing with warnings of judgment?
  • How can believers today apply the concept of God’s law written on hearts?
  • What is the significance of the recurring image of Israel as a 'virgin' in this context?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains hopeful promises of restoration and intimate covenant, tempered by warnings of judgment for continued disobedience.