Jeremiah 31:3,18,21

Chapter 31 continues where chapter 30 left off – in fact the very first verse makes reference to the last verse of chapter 30, and plays a crucial role in determining the time-frame of the events described in chapter 31. The last words of chapter 30 are ‘In the latter days you will consider it’, obviously referring to the end times. Chapter 31 starts with ‘at the same time’, and so sets up the time-frame for the events of the chapter. It is again a chapter of restoration, but this time for Israel (as opposed to Judah).

‘The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying:
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”’ (Jeremiah 31:3)

I just noticed the two uses of love in this verse. His everlasting love is the unconditional type of love He has for Israel (and which He has for those that are redeemed). No matter what they do, He will still love them. Only this way can it be ‘everlasting’, otherwise there would be no guarantee they will would fulfill their side of the ‘condition’, and therefore no guarantee He would love them forever. No, this is His unconditional love. But because of this unconditional love, He draws them with lovingkindness. This is a more personal love. This love involves direct action – drawing in this case. This is love that demands a response. The one drawn must surrender. Lets not simplify God’s love into ‘He loves me’ and that’s it. Such a view cannot explain many things God does in the Bible, and leads us into error in one way or another. If God ‘just loves us’ then it doesn’t matter what we do. On the other hand, God’s love is not always conditional, and if we believe it is always conditional and demands repentance, then we will end up where that extremist Baptist church in America (the one that picketed Heath Ledger’s funeral apparently) is.

As the chapter progresses it deals more specifically with ‘Ephraim’ which is the 10 tribes of Israel. The LORD has recognized that they recognize that they need to repent.

‘I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself:
‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised,
Like an untrained bull;
Restore me, and I will return,
For You are the LORD my God.’’ (Jeremiah 31:18)

So the Israelites have finally come to the place of repentance. And the LORD is pleased with it, saying He will surely have mercy on them. But He says something interesting:

‘ “Set up signposts,
Make landmarks;
Set your heart toward the highway,
The way in which you went.
Turn back O virgin of Israel,
Turn back to these your cities.”’ (Jeremiah 31:21)