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restored by his permanent love

Jeremiah 31:1-14 (JDV)

Jeremiah 31:1 “At that time” – this is what Yahveh declares – “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.”
Jeremiah 31:2 This is what Yahveh says: The people who survived the sword found favor in the open country. When Israel came to his rest,
Jeremiah 31:3 Yahveh appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with a permanent love; therefore, I have continued to extend covenant faithfulness to you.
Jeremiah 31:4 Again I will build you so that you will be rebuilt, Virgin Israel. You will furnish yourself with tambourines again and go out in joyful dancing.
Jeremiah 31:5 You will plant vineyards again on the mountains of Samaria; the planters will plant and will enjoy the fruit.
Jeremiah 31:6 You see, there will be a day when watchmen will call out in the hill country of Ephraim, “Come, let’s go up to Zion, to Yahveh our God!”
Jeremiah 31:7 Because this is what Yahveh says: Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations! Proclaim, praise, and say, “Lord, save your people, the remainder of Israel!”
Jeremiah 31:8 Watch! I am going to bring them from the northern land. I will gather them from remote regions of the land – the blind and the lame will be with them, along with those who are pregnant and those about to give birth. They will return here as a great collection!
Jeremiah 31:9 They will come weeping, but I will bring them back with consolation. I will lead them to wadis filled with water, by a smooth way where they will not stumble, for I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
Jeremiah 31:10 Nations, hear the word of Yahveh, and tell it among the far off coasts and islands! Say, “The one who scattered Israel will gather him. He will watch over him as a shepherd guards his flock,
Jeremiah 31:11 because Yahveh has ransomed Jacob and redeemed him from the power of one stronger than he.”
Jeremiah 31:12 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant with joy because of Yahveh ‘s goodness, because of the grain, the new wine, the fresh oil, and because of the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like an irrigated garden, and they will no longer grow weak from hunger.
Jeremiah 31:13 Then the young women will celebrate with dancing, while young and old men rejoice together. I will turn their mourning into joy, give them consolation, and bring celebration out of grief.
Jeremiah 31:14 I will refresh the priests with an abundance, and my people will be satisfied with my goodness. this is what Yahveh declares.

restored by his permanent love

This first part of chapter 31 predicts a joyful return to the land, and bases this promise on the permanent love of God for his people. It sets the stage for the second part of the chapter which predicts that the people will respond by becoming part of an eternal covenant — a new covenant. Stay tuned!

Thank you Lord, for the blessing of your permanent love, which restored a nation to its land, and to a new relationship with you.