Jeremiah 31:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 31:7
7 For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 31 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, faith, grace. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 31:7
7 For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.
Analysis
For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel. This verse commands celebration for restoration that is both certain (prophetic perfect tense) and intercessory (prayer for salvation). Sing with gladness uses rinnah (רִנָּה), a joyful shout or cry of jubilation, while shout translates tsahal (צָהַל), meaning to cry out shrilly with joy. These are not quiet hymns but exuberant proclamation.
Among the chief of the nations (בְּרֹאשׁ הַגּוֹיִם, b'rosh ha-goyim) positions Israel's restoration as testimony to the Gentile world—God's purposes for Israel have cosmic scope. Publish ye, praise ye employs shama (שָׁמַע, make heard) and halal (הָלַל, praise), demanding public proclamation, not private piety.
The prayer O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel uses yoshia (יוֹשִׁיעָ, save/deliver), the verbal root of 'Jesus' (Yeshua). The remnant (she'erit, שְׁאֵרִית) refers to survivors—those preserved through judgment. This remnant theology pervades Scripture: God always preserves a faithful few (Isaiah 10:20-22, Romans 11:5). Though nations rise against Israel, God's covenant ensures a remnant survives to inherit promises. This points to Christ, the ultimate remnant of one (Isaiah 49:3-6), through whom faithful Israel—Jew and Gentile—is constituted.
Historical Context
Written during Babylon's siege of Jerusalem (588-586 BC), this call to celebrate salvation seemed absurd. The nation faced destruction, not deliverance. Yet Jeremiah commanded prophetic faith—praising God for promises before their fulfillment. The 'remnant' acknowledges that judgment would nearly extinguish Israel, but God would preserve survivors. Historically, Cyrus's decree (538 BC) allowed return, but only a small remnant chose to leave Babylon. The theology of remnant shaped Judaism's self-understanding: not all ethnic Israelites constitute true Israel, but only those faithful to covenant.
Reflection
- What does it mean to praise God for promises not yet fulfilled, and how does this demonstrate faith?
- How does the concept of 'the remnant' challenge assumptions that numerical majority equals divine approval?
- In what sense are believers today called to 'publish' God's salvation 'among the chief of the nations'?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Salvation: Psalms 14:7, 28:9
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 23:3, Isaiah 37:31