Jeremiah 30:1-3
This begins a collection of oracles regarding salvation and hope for Israel. This is referred to as the 'Book of Consolation' and runs from to 31:34. The purpose of their exile and judgment was not just for the sake of punishing them, it was for their good. It was to bring about change so the Lord could bring them back and restore the covenant relationship with them.
Jeremiah was to write his prophecies down so restoration could be seen following the judgment. This was for future generations to see and be encouraged by; it was for us. The promise of restoration is important as a source of hope. We see this in God's nature and study this alongside with the other promises He's made us. At times we feel as though we are captive to circumstances in this world that are seemingly beyond control. But they aren't beyond God's hand. He is aware and will sustain us. Our promise of an amazing future gives us courage and hope through difficult times.
Jeremiah 30:4-7
Judgment brings cries of terror; the idea of peace is shattered and lost for a time. The strain of the situation on a person is likened to a woman in labor. The 'Day of the Lord' is 'that day' Jeremiah is referring to. This is the time of Jacob's trouble; a time like there has never been before. From this trouble, the Lord will provide salvation.
The question that needs to be deal with is; is the time of Jacob's trouble future or was it the time of captivity? I tend to see it as both in a sense. There was a near fulfillment for those people at that time, there would be a more perfect fulfillment at the end of days.
Jeremiah 30:8-9
The Lord promises them a day of redemption. This is when the yoke will be removed and they would no longer be enslaved. The Lord would bring them from their slavery. He would bring them a king like David; this is a messianic phrase referring to Jesus.
Jeremiah 30:10-11
They were not to allow their life to be consumed by fear of captivity, as if they were forgotten. They were not to be downcast in their soul over their situation, they were to accept it and long for the promise on the horizon. All the nations will know God's wrath and judgment, but only Israel has the promise of restoration. Like a parent correcting a child; the Lord brings punishment on those He loves to bring them into submission to His will, that He might bless them and love on them.
Jeremiah 30:12-15
There was no cure for the judgment that had fallen on them. There was no one to come save them or rescue them from the hand of God. They were found guilty by their maker; over and over they were warned and pleaded with. They ignored the warnings and the Lord had no choice. He struck them as an enemy.
Jeremiah 30:16-17
They could not help themselves. No nation could heal them. It was only God. There would be a reversal of the situation. The devourer will be devoured. The plunderer will be plundered. There was a coming day of healing and good health.
Jeremiah 30:18-22
The reversal continues. The fortunes, compassion and tents of Jacob had been stripped away in judgment. These would be restored. The restoration would be built on the rubble of the previous city. This 'Tel' becomes a reminder and monument to the sordid past as well as an altar to the mercy and kindness of the Lord. Once again their would be rejoicing and joy in the city where it was once removed in the darkness of judgment.
- They would increase.
- They would have honor
- Their community, structure and religion would be restored
- They would no longer suffer under foreign oppression
The ultimate fulfillment of the leader from among them will be Jesus. He will rule in the millennium kingdom and they will be His people and He will be their God. This is evidence of the restored covenant relationship.
Jeremiah 30:23-24
This seems like a word for us today. The judgment of the Lord is swift and severe. It seems as thought the next day will always be somewhat like the previous, but there is a day coming when all will be radically changed. Once this times starts there will be no stopping it until it is completed and the Lord's will is completely fulfilled.
©2018 Doug Ford
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