Jeremiah 16:15

KJV

But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

But, The LORD {H3068} liveth {H2416}, that brought up {H5927} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} from the land {H776} of the north {H6828}, and from all the lands {H776} whither he had driven {H5080} them: and I will bring them again {H7725} into their land {H127} that I gave {H5414} unto their fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but, "As ADONAI lives, who brought the people of Isra'el out of the land to the north and out of all the countries where he drove them"; for I will bring them back to their own land, which I gave to their ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

Instead they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of the north and all the other lands to which He had banished them.’ For I will return them to their land that I gave to their forefathers.

American Standard Version

but, As Jehovah liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the countries whither he had driven them. And I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 16:15 stands as a powerful declaration of divine faithfulness and future restoration, interrupting a chapter otherwise dominated by prophecies of severe judgment and exile for Judah's idolatry. This verse proclaims a new, even greater, act of God's deliverance that will surpass the original Exodus from Egypt. It solemnly vows that the Lord, who is eternally living and active, will gather His dispersed people, Israel, from all the lands where He had driven them, bringing them back to the covenant land promised to their ancestors. This serves as an unwavering assurance of God's ultimate commitment to His covenant and His people, even in the darkest hours of impending punishment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 16 is a chapter of profound judgment, where the prophet is forbidden from marriage, mourning, or feasting as signs of the impending desolation upon Judah. Verses 1-9 detail the severity of the coming famine, plague, and sword, emphasizing that there will be no one to mourn or bury the dead. Verses 10-13 explain that these judgments are a direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry and abandonment of God's law, culminating in their expulsion from the land. Amidst this bleak pronouncement of exile, verse 14 introduces a shift, hinting at a future event that will overshadow the Exodus. Verse 15 then fully unveils this promise of a "new exodus," providing a stark and hopeful contrast to the preceding verses of doom and dispersion. This immediate juxtaposition highlights God's sovereignty over both judgment and restoration, ensuring that even His disciplinary actions serve His ultimate redemptive purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last kings before the Babylonian exile (late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE). The nation was deeply entrenched in idolatry, syncretism, and social injustice, despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah. The "land of the north" primarily refers to Babylon, which would become the dominant world power and the instrument of God's judgment, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BCE and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people. Culturally, oaths sworn "as the LORD lives" (Hebrew: *Chai Yahweh*) were the strongest possible affirmations in ancient Israel, invoking God's very existence as the guarantee of a statement's truth. When God Himself declares "The LORD liveth," it is the ultimate divine guarantee, signaling an absolute certainty that His promise will be fulfilled, regardless of the current dire circumstances. The concept of "land" was central to Israel's identity, tied directly to God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, making the promise of return to it profoundly significant.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 16:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's absolute control over history, His ability to execute both judgment and salvation, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness. The declaration "The LORD liveth" serves as the ultimate assurance of this. Secondly, the verse introduces the pivotal theme of the **New Exodus**, presenting a future gathering of Israel that will be so glorious and comprehensive that it will eclipse the foundational Exodus from Egypt. This theme is echoed in other prophetic books, such as [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - The New Thing God Will Do"), which speaks of God doing "a new thing" that will make the former things seem insignificant. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Restoration and the Land Covenant**, affirming God's enduring commitment to bring His people back to the physical land He promised to their [fathers](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land"), even after a period of severe dispersion and punishment. This promise of return is a recurring motif throughout Jeremiah, often linked to a future of renewed covenant and spiritual transformation, as seen in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as Yahweh or Jehovah. It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its presence here emphasizes that it is the unchanging, ever-living, and faithful God of the covenant who is making this solemn declaration and promise. It underscores His unique identity as the one who was, and is, and is to come, the ultimate source of life and truth.
* **liveth (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From H2416, meaning "alive" or "living." When used in the phrase "The LORD liveth," it functions as a solemn, unbreakable oath. It asserts God's active, dynamic existence and His absolute capacity to fulfill His word. It's not merely a statement of His being, but a guarantee of His power and intention to act according to His promises. This phrase elevates the subsequent promise to the highest level of divine certainty.
* **bring them again (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, meaning "to turn back," "return," or "restore." This verb is crucial, as it signifies a reversal of the exile and dispersion. It implies a deliberate, sovereign act of God to gather His people from their scattered state and re-establish them in their homeland. The use of "again" highlights the reversal of the judgment of being "driven" out, emphasizing God's restorative power to undo the consequences of sin and fulfill His ultimate purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But, The LORD liveth":** This opening phrase functions as a solemn divine oath, marking a dramatic shift from the preceding pronouncements of judgment. It is God Himself swearing by His own eternal existence and faithfulness, guaranteeing the absolute certainty of what follows. The "But" signals a profound contrast to the dire circumstances and the previous oath concerning judgment in [Jeremiah 16:14](/jeremiah/16-14 "Jeremiah 16:14 - The Preceding Oath of Judgment").
* **"that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them":** This clause describes the scope and nature of the promised restoration. It directly parallels and surpasses the original Exodus. "The land of the north" primarily refers to Babylon, the impending place of exile, but "all the lands whither he had driven them" expands the promise to encompass any and all future dispersions of Israel across the globe. The active verb "had driven them" acknowledges God's sovereign hand in their dispersion as a consequence of their sin, but it also sets the stage for His equally sovereign act of gathering.
* **"and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers":** This final clause articulates the ultimate destination and the basis of the restoration. The phrase "I will bring them again" reiterates God's personal and active involvement in this return. The "land that I gave unto their fathers" refers to the Promised Land, emphasizing God's enduring commitment to the land covenant established with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This highlights that the restoration is not merely a return to a geographical location, but a re-establishment of the covenant relationship and the fulfillment of ancient promises.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 16:15 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Oath Formula**, "The LORD liveth," which serves as a divine guarantee, elevating the promise to an immutable truth. This oath creates a strong **Contrast** with the preceding verses of judgment, acting as a beacon of hope amidst desolation. The verse also utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Typology** by declaring that the future gathering will be so significant it will overshadow the original Exodus from Egypt. This "New Exodus" motif is a form of **Prophecy** that reinterprets and magnifies past redemptive acts. The repetition of "land" (H776, _ʼerets'_ and H127, _ʼădâmâh'_) throughout the verse and chapter subtly reinforces the centrality of the promised inheritance to Israel's identity and God's covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 16:15 is a profound statement of God's unwavering faithfulness and His ultimate redemptive purpose for His people, Israel. Even in the face of their profound unfaithfulness and the severe judgments it necessitates, God's covenant promises remain immutable. This verse teaches that divine judgment is not the final word, but often a means through which God purifies His people and prepares them for a greater display of His grace and power. The promise of a "new exodus" that surpasses the original highlights God's capacity to do "new things" that are even more glorious than His past mighty acts, demonstrating His dynamic and ever-active sovereignty in history. It underscores that God's commitment to His people and His promises to the land are eternal, providing hope for future restoration even when all seems lost.

* [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - Forget the Former Things, Behold I Do a New Thing")
* [Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - The Gathering and Spiritual Renewal of Israel")
* [Romans 11:25-27](/romans/11-25 "Romans 11:25-27 - The Fullness of the Gentiles and All Israel Will Be Saved")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 16:15 offers immense comfort and a powerful reminder of God's sovereign control and enduring faithfulness, even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly bleak. For believers today, this verse assures us that God's plans are not thwarted by human sin or failure. Just as He promised to gather Israel from every land of their dispersion, so too can we trust Him to restore and redeem our own lives from the "exiles" of sin, brokenness, or consequence. It calls us to look beyond immediate hardships and perceived abandonment to God's ultimate purpose, which is always for restoration and the fulfillment of His promises. This passage cultivates a deep sense of hope, reminding us that God is not only the God of judgment but also the God of an even greater redemption, capable of turning our deepest valleys into pathways for renewed hope and the realization of His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of a "new exodus" in Jeremiah 16:15 challenge or expand your understanding of God's redemptive power beyond what you knew from the original Exodus?**
* **In what "lands of the north" or places of dispersion might you currently feel exiled or scattered in your own life (spiritually, emotionally, relationally)? How does this verse speak to those feelings?**
* **How does God's solemn oath, "The LORD liveth," strengthen your trust in His promises for your future, especially when facing uncertainty or consequences of past actions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "The LORD liveth" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "The LORD liveth" (Hebrew: *Yahweh chai*) is a solemn oath, the strongest possible affirmation in ancient Israel. When God Himself declares it, it serves as an absolute divine guarantee, underscoring His eternal existence, His active presence, and the unshakeable certainty that the promise He is about to make will undoubtedly come to pass. It contrasts sharply with the preceding oath of judgment in [Jeremiah 16:14](/jeremiah/16-14 "Jeremiah 16:14 - The Preceding Oath of Judgment"), emphasizing that His ultimate plan for His people is restoration, not just judgment.

**How does this "new exodus" compare to the original Exodus from Egypt?**

Answer: Jeremiah 16:15 prophesies a future deliverance so significant that it will overshadow the original Exodus. While the first Exodus brought Israel out of slavery in Egypt, this "new exodus" promises to gather them from "the land of the north" (primarily Babylon) and "all the lands whither he had driven them." This implies a more widespread dispersion and a more comprehensive, global gathering. The original Exodus established Israel as a nation; the new exodus promises their re-establishment after a period of judgment and dispersion, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant even through their unfaithfulness. It speaks to a greater scope of redemption and a deeper spiritual renewal, as hinted at in other prophetic texts like [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - God's Promise of a New Thing").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 16:15, with its promise of a new and greater gathering of Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of a physical return to the land, the New Testament reveals that the true and lasting "gathering" is spiritual, bringing all of God's people—both Jew and Gentile—into His kingdom through faith in Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making possible the spiritual return from the "exile" of sin and alienation from God. He is the Good Shepherd who gathers His scattered sheep ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers His Sheep")) and builds His church, a new spiritual temple ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Gentiles and Jews United in Christ")). The promise of being brought "into their land that I gave unto their fathers" is ultimately fulfilled in the spiritual inheritance of believers in Christ, who are heirs according to the promise ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")) and look forward to the new heavens and new earth, the eternal dwelling place of righteousness ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, the "new exodus" is not merely a geographical return but a spiritual transformation and eternal restoration accomplished through the life, death, and resurrection of the living Lord, Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 32:37

Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:

Jeremiah 3:18

In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.

Jeremiah 24:6

For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull [them] down; and I will plant them, and not pluck [them] up.

Ezekiel 36:24

For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

Psalms 106:47

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise.

Amos 9:14

And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

Isaiah 11:11

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.