Jeremiah begins this famous chapter with words of encouragement, speaking of a time when the people are returned from captivity.  In verses 15-16, Rachel is weeping for her children; and God says that they will come back.  Rachel was Jacob’s second, and most loved, wife and Joseph’s mother (Genesis 30:22-24).  Ephraim and Manasseh were Joseph’s sons.  The message is summed up in verse 17 “There is hope for your future, declares the Lord.”

Verses 21-39 then describe the new covenant that God will make with His people, and the new relationship that they will have with Him (verses 33-34).   Rather than the forgiveness by the sacrifice of animals through a priest, everyone will be able to know the Lord and have true forgiveness – The Lord “will remember their sin no more.”  The Hebrew writer quotes these verses in Hebrews 8, as he speaks of Jesus being the High Priest of a new covenant.  They are repeated in Hebrews 10.   Also in Hebrews 10:12-14, we are told of the gift that Christ gave us by making a single offering, for all time, of Himself in order to cleanse our sins.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.