Chapters 29-31 constitute Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Babylon. In
chapter 29, we saw that this message began with a stern rebuked against
those false prophets who were lying to the exiles - telling them that their
captivity wouldn't last, and that they would be coming home soon. Jeremiah
lets them know that it was God's purpose that they stay in captivity for
seventy years (29:10); and that they should not listen to those who tell
them lies.
But then, God follows that stern message with a message of great love and
encouragement. Though they would be in captivity for seventy years, God
promises to bring them home and restore them. In fact, He promises great
prosperity for them - going far beyond their immediate circumstances to tell
them of the great plans He has for them in the future. These two chapters
are a great highlight of hope in an otherwise very sad prophetic book.
The key note in these two chapters is 31:3. God lets the people of Israel
know why He does all that He does for them, and why He purposes great things
for them in the future. It tells us of the kind of love with which God is
committed to us. "Yes," He says, "I have loved you with an everlasting
love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you."
I. GOD'S COMMAND TO WRITE DOWN HIS PROMISE OF RESTORATION (30:1-3).
A. God commands that His promise of deliverance be written in a book, so it
can be remembered many years later.
B. This is exactly what happened seventy years later in the time of Daniel
(Dan. 9:2).
II. GOD'S PROMISE TO PRESERVE HIS PEOPLE AND RESTORE THEM (30:4-31:1).
A. This day of restoration seems far away (vv. 4-7).
B. But God promises to deliver them and restore them (vv. 8-9).
C. Therefore, they are not to fear because He is with them (vv. 10-11).
D. He reminds them of the cause of their affliction (vv. 12-15).
E. But He also reminds them of the punishment of those who afflict them
(vv. 16-17).
F. Then they will build again in the land (vv. 18-22).
G. God promises to do this with great force (vv. 23-24).
H. When it happens, then God will prove to them that He is their God
(31:1).
III. GOD'S COMMITMENT TO LOVE HIS PEOPLE (31:2-22).
A. God expresses His commitment of love to them (vv. 2-6).
B. God calls them to rejoice in His future display of love (vv. 7-14).
C. God promises that the weeping will end and that they will be restored
(vv. 15-22).
IV. GOD'S PLEDGE TO BRING HIS PEOPLE TO FUTURE GLORY (31:23-40).
A. God promises that they will be a blessing (vv. 23-30).
B. God promises to change their hearts (vv. 31-34).
C. God promises an unchanging commitment (vv. 35-37).
D. God promises the permanence of His people (vv. 38-40).
