Explore the Bible: July 23

Redeems • Jeremiah 31:23-34

By Don Schuman

Jeremiah had faithfully preached the Word of the Lord concerning Judah’s captivity. In chapter 31, he faithfully preaches the Word concerning Judah’s redemption.

The Lord would redeem His people from captivity in a nation stronger than they were (Jeremiah 31:11). The joy of redemption would replace the sorrows of captivity. The happiness and comfort of redemption would replace the grief of captivity (Jeremiah 31:13).

The Gospel of Matthew interprets verse 15 as a foreshadowing of the sorrow at the birth of the Redeemer, when Herod had the babies of Bethlehem killed upon the news of the birth of the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:17-18).

Just as joy would replace the sorrows during Judah’s destruction and captivity, so the joy of salvation in Christ would replace sorrows of sin. Ultimately, God will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).

Blessings Promised (Jeremiah 31:23-26). The Lord declared through Jeremiah that the day was coming when the people would be restored in their homeland and the redeemed people would say, The LORD bless you, O habitation of justice and mountain of holiness (v. 23).

The Lord promised that the land would become a place of righteousness. Jesus’ return will ultimately fulfill this promise as He establishes righteousness on the throne of King David (Isaiah 9:6-7).

The Lord promised favor in their agriculture and livestock (v.24). God promised to satisfy the weary soul (v.25). Again, Jesus fulfills this promise to all who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him and find rest (Matthew 11:28).

Was Jeremiah dreaming? Could this possibly come true? Yes! God’s promises are more than a hopeful dream. They are real. They are true. We can trust God to keep His promises. We can rest peacefully and securely in the knowledge that God’s faithfulness is great. God is faithful in His promises.

Restoration Sought (Jer. 31:27-30). God promised to restore the nation of Judah. The land that had been desolate through invasion and destruction would be filled again with people and livestock.

Apparently, a younger generation had placed the blame for Judah’s destruction and captivity upon the previous generations. The proverb, “The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge,” seems to have been popular in Jeremiah’s day.

Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 18:2) set the record straight in that everyone will be accountable for their own actions.

Romans 5:6-11 presents a description of the believer’s restoration. Whereas unbelievers suffer from the sorrows of captivity to sin and are estranged from God, believers justified by the blood of Christ are reconciled to God.

We, who were enemies of God, are reconciled as children of God. Our desolation is turned to abundant life. The joy of redemption replaces the sorrows of desolation.

Covenant Established (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The Lord established a covenant with Noah after the Flood to never destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:8-17).

He later established a covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Remembering that covenant (Exodus 2:24), the Lord established a covenant with their descendants after delivering them from the sorrows of captivity in Egypt. This covenant, or testament, included the Law. They were to be a kingdom of priests unto the Lord and a testimony to the world.

The Lord also established a covenant with King David, whose descendants would include the Messiah (Psalm 89:3, 2 Samuel 7:16). Hebrews 8:8-13 shows us that this passage in Jeremiah is fulfilled in a New Covenant in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Through the redemptive plan of God through this Messiah, God would establish a New Covenant in which His Law would be written upon the hearts of His people. This new covenant would change the believer from the inside out, creating a new heart and right spirit.

God accomplished this covenant through the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ for redemption and the filling of the believer with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:3, Hebrews 10:16). Jesus established this covenant in His blood (1 Corinthians 11:25).

We commemorate this covenant by observing the Lord’s Supper and remembering that by faith we as believers are in the New Covenant with the Lord.

Centuries before Christ was born, God promised a New Covenant. The time was coming and came with the advent of Christ. Through His sacrificial work on the cross, a new covenant is a gift of God for all who believe (Romans 6:23).

God our Heavenly Father is faithful in His covenants. He established the conditions of His covenants and is faithful in keeping His covenants.

Schuman is pastor of Temple Church, Myrtle.