The Berean

  Jeremiah 30:18-20

(18) "Thus says the LORD: 
'Behold, I will bring back the captivity of Jacob's tents, 
And have mercy on his dwelling places; 
The city shall be built upon its own mound, 
And the palace shall remain according to its own plan. 
(19) Then out of them shall proceed thanksgiving 
And the voice of those who make merry; 
I will multiply them, and they shall not diminish; 
I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. 
(20) Their children also shall be as before, 
And their congregation shall be established before Me; 
And I will punish all who oppress them. 

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God will destroy the nations to which Israel and Judah are scattered, and He will correct Israel and Judah in measure, as verse 11 says. But when the punishment is done, He will bring His people back to the land that He promised them and give them rest and peace. A number of other prophecies concerning the Second Exodus relate how God will bless the land, which will once again produce abundantly. Israel and Judah will have the Promised Land, they will have peace—because this time their enemies will be completely destroyed, which Israel failed to do the first time—and they will have prosperity. They will also be blessed numerically, as the remnant begins to multiply.

But this time the peace and prosperity will last, because two factors will be different. First, Israel and Judah will have perfect leadership: Jesus Christ will be King, and David will be His prince (Ezekiel 37:24-25; Jeremiah 23:3-7; Hosea 3:5; Micah 2:12-13). Corrupt or ambivalent leadership will no longer lead Israel astray; instead, the leaders will set the example of righteousness for the people to follow. Additionally, the twelve original apostles will be resurrected and sit as judges over the twelve tribes, ensuring that proper judgment is given (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30).

Second, Israel and Judah will both make the New Covenant, meaning that they will be given the Holy Spirit, which will enable them to keep the law in its spiritual intent (Jeremiah 31:31-34). They will be given a new heart, and will finally be able to know their God (Ezekiel 11:17-20; 36:24-29).

— David C. Grabbe

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