Understanding Jeremiah 31:10

Verse: "Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock."

Overview

This verse speaks to God's promise of restoration for Israel after their exile and punishment. It emphasizes His omnipotence and care, portraying Him as a shepherd who diligently tends to His flock, ensuring that none are lost.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Matthew Henry highlights the grace of God in gathering His people despite their scornful rejection. He notes that this call is directed to the nations, signifying God's plans for not just Israel but all the nations of the world.

• Albert Barnes' Commentary:

  Barnes emphasizes the significance of God as the shepherd and the assurance that Israel's scattering will be reversed. He points out that God’s commitment can be seen as protective and nurturing, similar to the way a shepherd looks after their sheep.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke elaborates on the geographical scope of the call to the nations, indicating that the message of restoration should reach even the distant lands. He interprets "scattered" as spiritually and physically dispersed and underscores that God will actively seek to restore them.

Thematic Connections

This verse provides connections between several vital biblical themes:

• Restoration and Redemption: The promise of gathering reflects themes found throughout the Scripture about God's intent to restore His people after they stray.
• The Role of the Shepherd: This characterizes God’s protective nature, similar to John 10:11 where Jesus states, "I am the good shepherd." This connection showcases a thematic link between the Old Testament and New Testament revelations of God’s care.
• Prophetic Assurance: The prophecy serves as a foreshadowing of future events concerning Israel, linking to Matthew 24:31 where Jesus speaks of gathering His elect from all corners of the earth.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 31:10 can be cross-referenced with the following Bible verses:

• Psalm 23:1-3 - God as the shepherd guiding His people.
• Isaiah 40:11 - God's promise to gather His lambs and carry them.
• Ezekiel 34:11-12 - The prophecy of God seeking out His sheep.
• Matthew 18:12-14 - The parable of the lost sheep, illustrating the heart of the shepherd.
• Luke 1:68-69 - Zechariah praises God for redemption and raising a horn of salvation.
• John 10:16 - Jesus speaks about having other sheep that are not of the current fold, indicating inclusivity.
• Romans 11:26 - Assurance that all Israel will be saved in the end times as part of God’s promise.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

To explore the verses connected to Jeremiah 31:10 and deepen your study, consider using the following resources:

• Bible concordance to find keywords and themes.
• Bible cross-reference guide to navigate and find correlations.
• Cross-reference Bible study to examine links between different texts.
• Bible reference resources that offer insights into thematic studies.

Conclusion

Jeremiah 31:10 serves as a profound promise of restoration, linking God’s compassion and care for His people. The insights drawn from historical and prophetic perspectives underscore the continuity of God's plan from the Old to the New Testament. Understanding this verse through various commentaries enhances its meaning and unveils the depth of God’s love and promises.