Does God’s consolation of Israel and Judah lay the foundation for a new covenant to be discussed next? Let’s begin in Jeremiah 30.
Is this prophecy something God wants to preserve in writing? Is it a significant turning point for both Israel and Judah?
Jeremiah received the Lord’s word: The Lord, the God of Israel, proclaims: Write down in a scroll all the words I have spoken to you. The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will bring back my people Israel and Judah from captivity, says the Lord. I will bring them home to the land that I gave to their ancestors, and they will possess it. (Jer 30:1-3 CEB)
Does God predict a time known prophetically as Jacob’s trouble before he is finally saved?
These are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah: “Thus says the Lord: We have heard a cry of panic, of terror, and no peace. Ask now, and see, can a man bear a child? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor? Why has every face turned pale? Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob [Jacob’s trouble]; yet he shall be saved out of it.” (Jer 30:4-7 ESV)
Does God promise freedom from slavery? How can David be their king unless this is only partially fulfilled in this age? Is God’s discipline just? Can only God restore life after death?
“On that day”—this is the declaration of the Lord of Hosts—“I will break his yoke from your neck and tear off your chains so strangers will never again enslave him. They will serve the Lord their God and I will raise up David their king for them.”
As for you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid—this is the Lord’s declaration—and do not be dismayed, Israel, for without fail I will save you from far away, your descendants, from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return and have calm and quiet with no one to frighten him.
For I will be with you—this is the Lord’s declaration—to save you! I will bring destruction on all the nations where I have scattered you; however, I will not bring destruction on you. I will discipline you justly, and I will by no means leave you unpunished. (Jer 30:8-11 HCSB)
Though some complain that God’s punishment is unjust, who alone can restore life after a mortal injury? Should God tolerate sin for all eternity?
“For this is what the Lord says: ‘Your injury won’t heal; your wound is severe. There is no one to plead your cause. There is no medicine for your sore; no healing for you.
All your lovers have forgotten you; they don’t seek you. Indeed, I’ve struck you down with the blow of an enemy, with the punishment of a cruel foe because your wickedness is great, and your sins are numerous. Why do you cry out because of your injury? Your wound won’t heal. Because your wickedness is severe, and your sins are numerous, I’ve done all these things to you.
In addition, all who devour you will be devoured, and all your oppressors—all of them—will go into captivity. Those who plunder you will become plunder, and all who spoil you will become spoil. Indeed, I’ll bring you healing, and I’ll heal you of your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘because they have called you an outcast and have said, “It is Zion, no one cares for her!”’” (Jer 30:12-17 ISV)
Will Jacob again be released from slavery? Will they prosper again?
Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will bring again [release] the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof. And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.
Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them. And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the Lord. (Jer 30:18-21 KJV)
What is the bottom line? Will they be God’s people and will He be their God?
‘You shall be My people, And I will be your God.’” (Jer 30:22 LSB)
Are there mysteries that critics of God and the Bible miss? Will the latter days and the ministry of Jesus Christ begin to open those mysteries?
Behold, the tempest of the Lord! Wrath has gone forth, A sweeping tempest; It will whirl upon the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back Until He has performed and accomplished The intent of His heart. In the latter days you will understand this. (Jer 30:23-24 NASB)
Who will be the descendant of David that God will give to reign forever?
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:32-33 NIV)
Does God’s consolation of Israel and Judah lay the foundation for a new covenant to be discussed next? You decide!
