Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12abcd, 13
Chapter 31
10
Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, proclaim it in distant coastlands: He who scattered Israel will gather them and guard them as a shepherd guards his flock.
11
For the Lord has ransomed Jacob and redeemed him from the hand of his conqueror.
12
They shall come shouting for joy while ascending Zion; they will come streaming to the Lord’s blessings— the grain, the new wine, and the oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden; no more will they be afflicted.
13
Maidens will make merry and dance, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness, I will give them comfort and joy for sorrow.
Commentaries
Return of the Israelites to Their Land.
This is one of the most important passages in the book, mainly directed to those who remained in the Northern Kingdom. God’s love for his people motivates him to free them as he did in the past (3). There is a return to relive the history of liberation and purification through the foundational experience of the desert. A remnant of Israel will once again experience God’s compassion and faithfulness. However, now in a new way: the entire people is seen as a virgin called to be a fruitful mother (21) with whom a new covenant is made (31-32).