Jeremiah 31: Israel's Future

Finally, after wading through many words of reprove and judgment, we come to words of hope, words of optimism, words of restoration for God’s people. This chapter is one of the emotional high points of this entire Bible book.

At this point in our one80 journey, we have seen (again and again) how Israel was unable to keep the Old Covenant that they had lived under since the days of Moses. This Mosaic Covenant could direct their conduct but not change their character. If God was going to restore his people completely, something had to change.

In verses 31-34, we find out what that something was – God initiated a New Covenant with Israel. This was not just another renewal of the Old Covenant that God gave at Sinai; it is a covenant that is new in every way.

• The New Covenant is inward so that God’s Law is written on the heart and not stone tablets.

• The New Covenant is personal rather than national, with each individual person putting faith in the Lord receiving a “new heart” and with it a new disposition toward godliness (see also Ezekiel 36:24-27).

• The New Covenant is not aimed at controlling people’s conduct but instead, changing their character so that they want to love God and one another and obey God’s will.

• In the Old Covenant, God pronounced curses for the sins of the people. In the New Covenant, he promises to forgive their wickedness and remember their sin no more.

Of course, the basis for this entire New Covenant is the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. This promise of the New Covenant was absolutely the best news that the Jewish people had heard in a long, long time. Take some time today to express thanks to God for what he has done for you through the life and death of Jesus. 

Ken Jackson