Jeremiah 22:27

But to the land whereunto they desire to return, thither shall they not return.

But to the land {H776} whereunto they desire {H5375}{H5315} to return {H7725}, thither shall they not return {H7725}.

They will not return to the country to which they long to return."

You will never return to the land for which you long.”

But to the land whereunto their soul longeth to return, thither shall they not return.

Jeremiah 22:27 delivers a stark declaration of divine judgment concerning the fate of the people of Judah, specifically those facing exile, and their king, Coniah (also known as Jehoiachin).

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic message from Jeremiah, often called the "Book of Condemnation" against the kings of Judah. Jeremiah 22 focuses heavily on the unrighteous reigns of King Jehoiakim and his son, Coniah (also known as Jehoiachin). The preceding verses detail the severe judgment pronounced upon Coniah, declaring that he and his descendants would not prosper on the throne and would be cast out of the land. The people of Judah, led by their desire, harbored hopes of a swift return from the impending or already begun Babylonian captivity. However, this verse crushes that immediate hope, stating unequivocally that their longing to return to their homeland would not be fulfilled.

Key Themes

  • Irrevocable Judgment: The verse underscores the finality of God's judgment for the immediate generation. Despite their deep yearning, their disobedience had brought about a consequence from which there was no immediate reprieve or return to their desired state.
  • Shattered Hopes: It highlights the painful reality that human desires, no matter how strong or natural, cannot overturn divine decrees. The people longed for home, but God's word stood firm.
  • Divine Sovereignty: This prophecy reinforces God's absolute control over the destiny of nations and individuals. His word, delivered through Jeremiah, is not merely a warning but a declaration of what will certainly come to pass, regardless of human wishes.
  • Exile as Consequence: The verse succinctly states the painful truth of the Babylonian exile, a direct result of Judah's persistent idolatry and injustice. This judgment was not temporary but a definitive displacement, as prophesied by Jeremiah.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrasing, "thither shall they not return," is emphatic and direct. The word for "desire" (Hebrew: 'avah) conveys a strong longing or yearning, making the subsequent denial even more poignant. The contrast between the intense human desire and the absolute divine negation underscores the severity and certainty of the judgment. There is no ambiguity; their wish for immediate return is utterly denied.

Related Scriptures

While this verse declares no immediate return, God later promised a restoration after a specific period of judgment. For example, Jeremiah prophesied the seventy years of Babylonian captivity before a return would be possible. This long-term promise is found in Jeremiah 29:10, which offers hope beyond the immediate despair of verses like 22:27.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 22:27 serves as a powerful reminder of several truths relevant today:

  • Consequences of Disobedience: Sin has real, often painful, consequences. God's warnings are not empty threats but declarations of the path that disobedience leads to.
  • Trusting God's Plan: Even when our immediate desires are frustrated, we are called to trust in God's larger, sovereign plan. His purposes, though sometimes involving hardship, are ultimately just and lead to good for those who are faithful (compare with Romans 8:28).
  • God's Word is True: The fulfillment of prophecies like this one affirms the reliability and truthfulness of God's word. What He declares, He will bring to pass.
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 44:14

    So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah, to the which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return but such as shall escape.

  • Jeremiah 22:11

    For thus saith the LORD touching Shallum the son of Josiah king of Judah, which reigned instead of Josiah his father, which went forth out of this place; He shall not return thither any more:

  • Jeremiah 52:31

    ¶ And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the [first] year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison,

  • Jeremiah 52:34

    And [for] his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life.

  • 2 Kings 25:27

    And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;

  • 2 Kings 25:30

    And his allowance [was] a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.

  • Psalms 86:4

    Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

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