Jeremiah 31:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 31:5
5 Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 31 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, judgment, sacrifice. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 31:5
5 Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things.
Analysis
Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria—the verb עוֹד תִּטְּעִי (od tit'i, 'you shall yet plant') promises agricultural restoration specifically in Samaria, the Northern Kingdom's capital, destroyed by Assyria (722 BC). This prophecy transcends political division: God will reunite Israel and Judah (31:27-28, 31). Vineyard imagery evokes Israel's covenantal identity (Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:8-16)—God replants what judgment uprooted.
The planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things—the Hebrew וְחִלֵּלוּ (v'chilelu, literally 'profane them/treat as common') references Leviticus 19:23-25: newly planted fruit was forbidden (orlah) for three years, sacred to the LORD in year four, common in year five. This promise of eating as 'common' (חֻלִּין, chullin) means peace lasting long enough to harvest mature vineyards—no invading armies, no exile, no premature cutting down. Deuteronomy 28:30 threatened planting without eating; this reverses the curse.
Historical Context
Samaria's mountains, once Israel's agricultural heartland, lay desolate for over a century after Assyrian conquest. Jeremiah's prophecy (to Judah, circa 587 BC) promised Northern Israel's restoration alongside Judah's—a reunification fulfilled partially in the post-exilic era and fully awaiting eschatological completion when 'all Israel shall be saved' (Romans 11:26).
Reflection
- How does God's promise to restore Samaria (Northern Israel) alongside Judah challenge divisions you maintain between 'acceptable' and 'unacceptable' believers?
- What does the detail about eating vineyards 'as common things' teach about God's desire for sustained peace, not merely momentary relief?
- Where in your life has God reversed curses (planting without harvesting) into blessings (long-term fruitfulness)?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 28:30, Amos 9:14, Micah 4:4