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write on a scroll

Jeremiah 30:1-24 (JDV)

Jeremiah 30:1 This is the word said that came to Jeremiah from Yahveh.
Jeremiah 30:2 “This is what Yahveh, the God of Israel, says: Write on a scroll for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you,
Jeremiah 30:3 because notice, the days are coming” – this is what Yahveh declares – “when I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel and Judah,” says Yahveh. “I will restore them to the land I gave to their fathers and they will possess it.”
Jeremiah 30:4 These are the words Yahveh spoke to Israel and Judah.
Jeremiah 30:5 This is what Yahveh says: We have heard a cry of terror, of dread – there is no peace.
Jeremiah 30:6 Ask and see whether a male can give birth. Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale?
Jeremiah 30:7 How greatly tragic that day will be! There will be no other like it! It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be rescued out of it.
Jeremiah 30:8 On that day – this is what Yahveh of Armies declares – I will break his yoke from your neck and tear off your chains, and strangers will never again enslave him.
Jeremiah 30:9 They will serve Yahveh their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.
Jeremiah 30:10 As for you, my servant Jacob, do not be afraid – this is what Yahveh declares – and do not be discouraged, Israel, because without fail I will save you out of a distant place, your descendants, from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return and have calm and quiet with no one to frighten him.
Jeremiah 30:11 You see, I will be with you – this is what Yahveh declares – to save you! I will bring destruction on all the nations where I have scattered you; however, I will not bring destruction on you. I will discipline you justly, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.
Jeremiah 30:12 You see, this is what Yahveh says: Your injury is incurable; your wound most severe.
Jeremiah 30:13 You have no defender for your case. There is no remedy for your sores, and no healing for you.
Jeremiah 30:14 All your lovers have forgotten you; they no longer look for you, because I have struck you as an enemy would, with the discipline of someone cruel, because of your enormous violation and your innumerable failures.
Jeremiah 30:15 Why do you cry out about your injury? Your pain has no cure! I have done these things to you because of your enormous violation and your innumerable failures.
Jeremiah 30:16 Nevertheless, all who devoured you will be devoured, and all your oppressors – all of them – will go off into exile. Those who plunder you will be plundered, and all who raid you will be raided.
Jeremiah 30:17 But I will bring you health and will heal you of your wounds – this is what Yahveh declares – because they call you Banished, Zion whom no one cares about.
Jeremiah 30:18 This is what Yahveh says: I will certainly restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and show compassion on his dwellings. Every city will be rebuilt on its mound; every palace will stand on its proper site.
Jeremiah 30:19 Thanksgiving will come out of them, a sound of rejoicing. I will multiply them, and they will not decrease; I will honor them, and they will not be insignificant.
Jeremiah 30:20 His children will be as in past days; his congregation will be established in my presence. I will punish all his oppressors.
Jeremiah 30:21 Jacob’s leader will be one of them; his ruler will issue from him. I will invite him to me, and he will approach me, because who would otherwise risk his life to approach me? this is what Yahveh declares.
Jeremiah 30:22 You will be my people, and I will be your God.
Jeremiah 30:23 Look, a storm from Yahveh! Wrath has gone out, a churning storm. It will whirl around the heads of the wicked.
Jeremiah 30:24 Yahveh ‘s burning anger will not turn back until he has completely fulfilled the purposes of his heart. In time to come you will understand it.

write on a scroll

Most of the words we have heard from Jeremiah so far have been condemnation, and he continues to proclaim that Jacob will go through a time of trouble for his sins. But now the Lord commands Jeremiah to write something on a scroll. This is something for future generations to read. This is something that is designed to outlast the present suffering. And that something is a promise of rescue. There will come a day when all the nations which God is using to punish Israel will be punished themselves. But the Israelites will experience healing and restoration to the land.

God’s word does contain promises which we can rely on. These promises apply to everyone in Christ. They speak of an eternal life beginning with a resurrection — and never coming to an end.

Lord, thank you for your word of promise, which outlasts times of pain and sorrow.