Jeremiah 16:15

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Context

Jeremiah 16 is a chapter filled with dire prophecies of judgment against Judah for their widespread idolatry and sin, foretelling famine, sword, and ultimately, exile. God declares He will drive His people out of their land (Jeremiah 16:13). However, verse 15 introduces a powerful contrast, shifting from imminent judgment to a profound promise of future restoration. This verse serves as a beacon of hope amidst impending desolation, emphasizing God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel, even after a period of punishment and dispersion.

Key Themes

  • Divine Oath and Faithfulness: The phrase "The LORD liveth" (Hebrew: Yahweh chai) is a solemn oath, asserting God's eternal existence and His unwavering commitment to His promises. It underscores the absolute certainty of the future restoration, contrasting with the previous oath about judgment (Jeremiah 16:14). This declaration highlights God's great faithfulness even when His people are unfaithful.
  • The New Exodus: This verse prophesies a future deliverance that will be so significant it will overshadow the original Exodus from Egypt. While the first Exodus brought Israel out of slavery, this "new exodus" promises to gather them from "the land of the north" (primarily Babylon, but also other nations) and "all the lands whither he had driven them." This signifies a comprehensive, global restoration of the Jewish people, a theme echoed in other prophetic books, speaking of a new work of redemption far greater than the first.
  • Restoration to the Promised Land: The ultimate promise is "I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers." This reaffirms God's enduring commitment to the land covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Genesis 15:18). Despite their future dispersion and the consequences of their sin, God's ultimate plan is to bring His people back to the inheritance He promised.

Linguistic Insights

The emphatic declaration, "The LORD liveth," serves as a divine guarantee. In ancient Israel, swearing "as the LORD lives" was the strongest possible oath, invoking God's very being as surety. Here, God Himself makes the declaration, reinforcing the absolute certainty of the promised return. The "land of the north" is a specific prophetic term for Babylon, the primary place of the impending exile, but the addition "and from all the lands whither he had driven them" expands the scope to include any future dispersion of Israel across the globe.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 16:15 offers profound comfort and a powerful reminder of God's sovereign control over history. Even in the midst of severe consequences for disobedience, God's long-term plan for His people remains steadfast. For believers today, this verse underscores that God's promises are immutable. When facing personal "exiles" or periods of hardship and consequence, we can cling to the assurance that God is faithful to His word and capable of ultimate restoration. It teaches us to look beyond immediate circumstances to God's enduring purpose and His power to bring about even the most unlikely of redemptions. It is a testament to God's ability to turn judgment into the pathway for renewed hope and fulfilled promises.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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