On Sunday, I will be preaching on Jeremiah 31:7 - 14, with a pre-selected sermon title called “Rejoice in God’s Restoration.”

This passage gets started in Jeremiah 30:1, when YHWH Elohim-Israel declares that he will restore Israel and Judah, and bring them back (from exile) to the Land. 

In the midst of great distress - indeed, it seems, at its apex - YHWH Sabaoth will free the people from slavery and bondage to foreigners and serve YHWH as their Elohim-Israel and David as their King. (vv 5 - 9)  There shall be nothing more to fear (vv 10 - 11), and YHWH will heal the incurable wounds (vv 12 - 17).  Moreover, YHWH will restore the places where Jacob lives - including cities and fortresses.  There will be joy; the few will become many; and they shall be honored; all who oppress them shall be punished.  (vv. 18 - 20) 

The prince shall emerge from the people and approach YHWH.  (v. 21)  This is the promise of Jesus Christ.  There is a hint of both kingly rule and priestly intercession here.  Dependent on this, it seems, is the renewed covenant declaration for YHWH to be Israel’s Elohim and they to be his people.  (v. 22)

Then is the declaration of wrath (vv. 23 - 24) which is the context for the beginning of ch. 31.

In 31:2 we first hear that the exile is an act of grace, not merely punishment.  The exile is declared to be “wilderness” - evoking the Exodus.  It is grace because the alternative was the sword.  YHWH appeared to them (i.e., was present) even under these unlikely circumstances (v. 3).

[An alternative reading of v. 3 indicates that the narrator (Prophet Jeremiah) had a dream of this prophecy beginning from the time when Israel looked for rest.  This reading would indicate the dream ended in v. 26.]

YHWH then declares that he has loved them with everlasting love - an implicit contrast to Israel’s unfaithfulness.  Instead of being adulterous, he calls Israel “virgin”.  There shall be great celebration, and a restoration of healthy agricultural life.  (vv. 3 - 5)  Then, they will want to go to Zion to YHWH Elohim’s presence. (v. 6)

Now for the passage at hand:

YHWH tells the people to sing, shout and be joyful, praise and say, “Save, YHWH your people, the remnant of Israel.”  (v. 7)  Even though they are still in distress at this point, the promise has already been issued, and therefore the proper response is to celebrate already, while still encouraging God to do what he has promised. 

How will he save the remnant?  Among other things, he will draw the scattered people back.  This includes those who normally cannot travel - the blind and lame, the pregnant and those in labor.  They will weep as they return, but YHWH will console them as they walk along fertile areas rather than mere wilderness. 

It is YHWH who has scattered; it is he who will bring about restoration.  This is declared to the nations outside of Israel. 

YHWH has redeemed Israel - bought them back.  They will celebrate in great joy - and especially over the abundance of YHWH’s provision and his goodness. 

Now, for the following context:

The voice in Ramah, lamentation and weeping, is rejoined with “there is a reward for your work.”  “There is a hope for your future.”  This is to the parent of those exiled.  (vv. 15 - 17)

Next, Ephraim begs to come back, and declares how he repented after he ran off.  He acknowledges his discipline is from YHWH and YHWH has mercy on him.  (vv. 18 - 20)

But it seems they aren’t sure if they want to come back.  So he tells them to set up signposts and keep track of where they are so that they can  return.  YHWH promises to restore their strength and their cities.  (vv. 21 - 25)

This is the end of the dream.  (v. 26)

The following context involves the creation of the new covenant and the expansion of Jerusalem.  (vv 27 - 40)

Let us consider the application of this passage to our current situation.