Jer 31:2-5 | Clarke | STEP | Verse 2 The people which were left of the sword - Those of the ten tribes that had escaped death by the sword of the Assyrians. Found grace in the wilderness - The place of their exile; a wilderness, compared to their own land.

Jeremiah 31:2-5

Verse 2

The people which were left of the sword - Those of the ten tribes that had escaped death by the sword of the Assyrians.

Found grace in the wilderness - The place of their exile; a wilderness, compared to their own land. - Dahler. See Isa 40:3 Verse 3

I have loved thee with an everlasting love - ואהבת עולם אהבתיך veahabath olam ahabtich, "and with the old love I have loved thee." "Also, with a love of long standing have I loved thee." - Blayney. "But I love thee always." - Dahler. I still bear to the Jewish people that love which I showed to their fathers in Egypt, in the wilderness, and in the promised land. Can it be supposed, by any person seriously considering the context, that these words are spoken of God's decree of election in behalf of the Jews? Those who make it such, act most injudiciously on their own principle; for, how few of the Jews have ever given evidence that they were the children of God, from their restoration from Babylon to the present day! The words refer simply to their state as a people, most wondrously preserved by the providence and mercy of God, as a standing proof of the Divine authority of the Scriptures, and as an evidence of God's displeasure against sin.

Therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee - "Therefore have I lengthened out mercy to thee." - Blayney,

C'est pourquoi je t'ai conserve ma grace.

Dahler. "Therefore I have preserved my grace to thee."

The exiles, who had not for a long time received any proofs of the Divine protection, are represented as deploring their state; but God answers, that though this may seem to be the case, he has always loved them; and this continued love he will show by bringing them out of their captivity. However creeds may fare, this is the sense of the passage; all the context proves this. Verse 4

O virgin of Israel - Israelites in general; now called virgin, because restored to their ancient purity.

With thy tabrets - Women in general played on these; they were used in times of rejoicing, and accompanied with dancing. To these customs, still preserved, the prophet alludes. Verse 5

Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria - This was the regal city of the Israelites, as Jerusalem was of the Jews.

Shall eat them as common things - By the law of Moses no man was permitted to eat of the fruit of his vineyard till the fifth year after planting. For the first three years it was considered uncircumcised, unclean, not fit to be eaten; in the fourth year it was holy to the Lord, the fruit belonged to Him; in the fifth year he might use it for himself, Lev 19:23-25. But in the time here mentioned the fruit should be considered common - lawful at all times to be eaten.