Jeremiah Chapter 31 · Verse 35

Authorized King James Version

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Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:

Original Language Analysis

כֹּ֣ה׀ H3541
כֹּ֣ה׀
Strong's: H3541
Word #: 1 of 19
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
אָמַ֣ר Thus saith H559
אָמַ֣ר Thus saith
Strong's: H559
Word #: 2 of 19
to say (used with great latitude)
יְהוָ֥ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נֹתֵ֥ן which giveth H5414
נֹתֵ֥ן which giveth
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 4 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
שֶׁ֙מֶשׁ֙ the sun H8121
שֶׁ֙מֶשׁ֙ the sun
Strong's: H8121
Word #: 5 of 19
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
לְא֣וֹר for a light H216
לְא֣וֹר for a light
Strong's: H216
Word #: 6 of 19
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
יוֹמָ֔ם by day H3119
יוֹמָ֔ם by day
Strong's: H3119
Word #: 7 of 19
daily
חֻקֹּ֛ת and the ordinances H2708
חֻקֹּ֛ת and the ordinances
Strong's: H2708
Word #: 8 of 19
a statute
יָרֵ֥חַ of the moon H3394
יָרֵ֥חַ of the moon
Strong's: H3394
Word #: 9 of 19
the moon
וְכוֹכָבִ֖ים and of the stars H3556
וְכוֹכָבִ֖ים and of the stars
Strong's: H3556
Word #: 10 of 19
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
לְא֣וֹר for a light H216
לְא֣וֹר for a light
Strong's: H216
Word #: 11 of 19
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
לָ֑יְלָה by night H3915
לָ֑יְלָה by night
Strong's: H3915
Word #: 12 of 19
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
רֹגַ֤ע which divideth H7280
רֹגַ֤ע which divideth
Strong's: H7280
Word #: 13 of 19
properly, to toss violently and suddenly (the sea with waves, the skin with boils); figuratively (in a favorable manner) to settle, i.e., quiet; speci
הַיָּם֙ the sea H3220
הַיָּם֙ the sea
Strong's: H3220
Word #: 14 of 19
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
וַיֶּהֱמ֣וּ thereof roar H1993
וַיֶּהֱמ֣וּ thereof roar
Strong's: H1993
Word #: 15 of 19
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
גַלָּ֔יו when the waves H1530
גַלָּ֔יו when the waves
Strong's: H1530
Word #: 16 of 19
something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)
יְהוָ֥ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 17 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֖וֹת of hosts H6635
צְבָא֖וֹת of hosts
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 18 of 19
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
שְׁמֽוֹ׃ is his name H8034
שְׁמֽוֹ׃ is his name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 19 of 19
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis & Commentary

God appeals to the fixed order of creation—sun by day, moon and stars by night, the sea's waves—to guarantee His covenant promises. These natural laws are utterly reliable; the sun rises every morning without fail. God stakes His covenant faithfulness on this same certainty. As long as these ordinances remain (which is forever), Israel will remain a nation before God. This is an unconditional promise grounded in God's unchanging character and sovereign control over creation.

The theological point is that God's covenant with Israel is as permanent and unbreakable as the laws of nature. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, despite judgment and exile, God will not utterly cast them away. A remnant will always exist; God's purposes for Israel will be fulfilled. Paul develops this in Romans 11:1-2: 'Hath God cast away his people? God forbid.' God's gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).

This grounding of covenant promise in creation's order connects God's redemptive work with His work as Creator. The God who sustains the cosmos by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3) is the same God who keeps covenant promises. His word in creation and His word in promise are equally reliable. When God speaks, whether to command light to shine or to promise salvation, His word accomplishes what He intends (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Historical Context

During the exile, it appeared God had abandoned Israel. The temple was destroyed, the land empty, the people scattered. Yet Jeremiah insists God's covenant remains. The physical ordinances of sun, moon, and sea testified that God had not abandoned His promises. This encouraged the faithful remnant to trust God's word despite contrary appearances. Faith believes God's promise even when circumstances seem to contradict it.

Questions for Reflection