Jeremiah 30

Clearly the tone of Jeremiah’s prophecies to this point has been heavy upon the people of Judah.  There have been brief references to an eventual restoration.  The next 4 chapters (30-33) are now filled with an amazing prediction of God’s restoration of the entire nation in a way that involves a new covenant, one that replaces the old covenant (the Mosaic Covenant).  At the same time it fulfills the unconditional covenants made by God with Abraham and David.  Consider these observations from Jer. 30.

•    v3-4: The object of the restoration message is the whole nation, Israel and Judah.  The yoke of bondage to other nations will be broken for them; they will have David for their king (v8-9).
•    v5-7: The desolation both Israel and Judah will have experienced is referred to as the time of Jacob’s trouble.  This is often a term used in our day of the seven year tribulation period which is yet in Israel’s future.  This may be a proper understanding because we will see that this restoration has not yet been experienced by the Nation.  The closing line of this chapter reads, “In the latter days you will consider it.”
•    v12-15: The reason for the time of desolation is made clear.  Their multitude of iniquities and increasing sin was the cause for God’s action.  Many people, including many Jews, believe they deserve a nation because of their terrible sufferings, especially the Holocaust.  But in fact their removal from the land and resultant sufferings have been caused by sin; restoration must take this into account.  They will need forgiveness and the ability to live in holiness.
•    v10-11: God repeats a thought from Jer. 5:18, that He will judge Israel but will not make a complete end of Israel.  God always maintains His attributes to perfection.  His sovereign plan will satisfy His holiness and His love.
•    v23-24: How often we have read that the people of Judah followed the evil dictates of their own hearts (3:17; 7:24; 9:14; 11:8; 13:10; 16:12; 18:12; 23:17).  Here we see that God will perform the intents of His heart.  “Dictates” indicates stubbornness or obstinacy.  “Intents” refers to purpose.  Man’s evil heart leaves him hopelessly in sin.  But God will fulfill His will.  Man will not prevent God’s work.  These 2 verses are identical to 23:19-20.  Unlike our furious anger that is generally out of control, these passages tell us God’s furious anger will fulfill His intentions.  In Ch. 23 God’s anger fulfills His plan to judge His people.  In Ch. 30 God’s anger fulfills His plan to devour those who have devoured Israel (v16).

It is not hard to imagine that the modern day regathering of Israel from the four corners of the world is the beginning of the promised restoration.  They are returning to the land.  But that is only the beginning.  Through a time of unprecedented trouble God will perform the intents of His heart.  He will save Israel (v7).  They will serve the LORD their God (v9).