Jeremiah 31: A Look Ahead

Prophets do not necessarily predict the future.  Generally speaking, a prophet is one who relays a message from God.  Such a message may or may not be about the future.  In chapter 31, Jeremiah has a lot to say about the future of God's people.

• "At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people" (vs. 1).  This beautiful picture of reconciliation between God and His people is also captured in verse 3: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."  Such language of mutual relationship is also found later in this chapter (vs. 33).

• Looking ahead for the nation, Jeremiah foresees a time of building (vs. 4), of tambourines and dance (vs. 4), of planting (vs. 5), and journeys to Zion (vs. 6).  The future contains this promise: "Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry.  I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow" (vs. 13).  The restoration of the nation from exile will one day be complete.

• Jeremiah 31:15 is a rare bleak note in this chapter of mostly good news.  It contains the prophecy applied to Bethlehem in the days of Herod the Great when he slaughtered the children in an attempt to exterminate Jesus (Matthew 2:17-18).

• In the last half of this chapter, the phrase "the days are surely coming" is found three times.  Verses 27-30 describe how individuals will suffer for their own sins, rather than children bearing the penalty for their parents' iniquities.  Verses 31-37 tells of a time coming when people will no longer need to be instructed about the Lord because the covenant will be internal, on their hearts, a vital part of them.  Finally, verses 38-40 predict an occasion when Jerusalem will be rebuilt and enlarged to include greater territory.  The land itself shall be redeemed and restored.