Jeremiah:31

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* Verse 1-9 - God assures his people that he will again take them into covenant relation to himself . When brought very low , and difficulties appear , it is good to remember that it has been so with the church formerly . But it is hard under present frowns to take comfort from former smiles ; yet it is the happiness of those who , through grace , are interested in the love of God , that it is an everlasting love , from everlasting in the counsels , to everlasting in the continuance . Those whom God loves with this love , he will draw to himself , by the influences of his Spirit upon their souls . When praising God for what he has done , we must call upon him for the favours his church needs and expects . When the Lord calls , we must not plead that we cannot come ; for he that calls us , will help us , will strengthen us . The goodness of God shall lead them to repentance . And they shall weep for sin with more bitterness , and more tenderness , when delivered out of their captivity , than when groaning under it . If we take God for our Father , and join the church of the first-born , we shall want nothing that is good for us . These predictions doubtless refer also to a future gathering of the Israelites from all quarters of the globe . And they figuratively describe the conversion of sinners to Christ , and the plain and safe way in which they are led . * Verse 10-17 - He that scattered Israel , knows where to find them . It is comfortable to observe the goodness of the Lord in the gifts of providence . But our souls are never valuable as gardens , unless watered with the dews of God 's Spirit and grace . A precious promise follows , which will not have full accomplishment except in the heavenly Zion . Let them be satisfied of God 's loving-kindness , and they will be satisfied with it , and desire no more to make them happy . Rachel is represented as rising from her grave , and refusing to be comforted , supposing her offspring rooted out . The murder of the children at Bethlehem , by Herod , * Verse Matthew - strkjv @2:16-18 ,. in some degree fulfilled this prediction , but could not be its full meaning . If we have hope in the end , concerning an eternal inheritance , for ourselves and those belonging to us , all temporal afflictions may be borne , and will be for our good . * Verse 18-20 - Ephraim (the ten tribes ) is weeping for sin . He is angry at himself for his sin , and folly , and frowardness . He finds he cannot , by his own power , keep himself close with God , much less bring himself back when he is revolted . Therefore he prays , Turn thou me , and I shall be turned . His will was bowed to the will of God . When the teaching of God 's Spirit went with the corrections of his providence , then the work was done . This is our comfort in affliction , that the Lord thinks upon us . God has mercy in store , rich mercy , sure mercy , suitable mercy , for all who seek him in sincerity . * Verse 21-26 - The way from the bondage of sin to the liberty of God 's children , is a high-way . It is plain , it is safe ; yet none are likely to walk in it , unless they set their hearts towards it . They are encouraged by the promise of a new , unheard-of , extraordinary thing ; a creation , a work of Almighty power ; the human nature of Christ , formed and prepared by the power of the Holy Ghost : and this is here mentioned as an encouragement to the Jews to return to their own land . And a comfortable prospect is given them of a happy settlement there . Godliness and honesty God has joined : let no man think to put them asunder , or to make the one atone for the want of the other . In the love and favour of God the weary soul shall find rest , and the sorrowful shall find joy . And what can we see with more satisfaction than the good of Jerusalem , and peace upon Israel ? * Verse 27-34 - The people of God shall become numerous and prosperous . In Hebrews strkjv @8:8 ,9 ,. this place is quoted as the sum of the covenant of grace made with believers in Jesus Christ . Not , I will give them a new law ; for Christ came not to destroy the law , but to fulfil it ; but the law shall be written in their hearts by the finger of the Spirit , as formerly written in the tables of stone . The Lord will , by his grace , make his people willing people in the day of his power . All shall know the Lord ; all shall be welcome to the knowledge of God , and shall have the means of that knowledge . There shall be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit , at the time the gospel is published . No man shall finally perish , but for his own sins ; none , who is willing to accept of Christ 's salvation . * Verse 35-40 - As surely as the heavenly bodies will continue their settled course , according to the will of their Creator , to the end of time , and as the raging sea obeys him , so surely will the Jews be continued a separate people . Words can scarcely set forth more strongly the restoration of Israel . The rebuilding of Jerusalem , and its enlargement and establishment , shall be an earnest of the great things God will do for the gospel church . The personal happiness of every true believer , as well as the future restoration of Israel , is secured by promise , covenant , and oath . This Divine love passes knowledge ; and to those who take hold upon it , every present mercy is an earnest of salvation . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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