Jeremiah 31:27-28
Israel and Judah Will Be Repopulated
27 “Indeed, a time is coming,” ▼ ▼▼ This same expression is found in the introduction to the Book of Consolation (Jer 30:1–3) and in the introduction to the promise of a new covenant (or covenant; 31:31). In all three passages it is emphasized that the conditions apply to both Israel and Judah. The Lord will reverse their fortunes and restore them to their lands (30:3), increase their numbers and build them up (31:27–28), and make a new covenant with them involving forgiveness of sins (31:31–34).
says the Lord, ▼▼ Heb “Oracle of the Lord.”
“when I will cause people and animals to sprout up in the lands of Israel and Judah. ▼▼ Heb “Behold, the days are coming and [= when] I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of people and of animals.” For the significance of the metaphor see the study note.
▼▼ The metaphor used here presupposes that drawn in Hos 2:23 (2:25 HT) which is in turn based on the wordplay with Jezreel (meaning “God sows”) in Hos 2:22. The figure is that of plant seed in the ground which produces a crop; here what are sown are the “seeds of people and animals.” For a similar picture of the repopulating of Israel and Judah see Ezek 36:10–11. The promise here reverses the scene of devastation that Jeremiah had depicted apocalyptically and hyperbolically in Jer 4:23–29 as judgment for Judah’s sins.
28In the past I saw to it that they were uprooted and torn down, that they were destroyed and demolished. But now I will see to it that they are built up and firmly planted. ▼ I, the Lord, affirm it!” ▼▼ Heb “Oracle of the Lord.”
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