Jeremiah 3:17

At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.

At that time {H6256} they shall call {H7121} Jerusalem {H3389} the throne {H3678} of the LORD {H3068}; and all the nations {H1471} shall be gathered {H6960} unto it, to the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}, to Jerusalem {H3389}: neither shall they walk {H3212} any more after {H310} the imagination {H8307} of their evil {H7451} heart {H3820}.

When that time comes, they will call Yerushalayim the throne of ADONAI. All the nations will be gathered there to the name of ADONAI, to Yerushalayim. No longer will they live according to their stubbornly evil hearts.

At that time Jerusalem will be called The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. They will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.

At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of Jehovah; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of Jehovah, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart.

Jeremiah 3:17 presents a profound prophetic vision of a future era, contrasting sharply with the immediate judgment facing Judah. This verse offers a glimpse into God's ultimate plan for restoration and spiritual transformation, centered on Jerusalem and the recognition of His global sovereignty.

Context

This verse comes amidst Jeremiah’s early prophecies, where he laments Judah’s spiritual apostasy and warns of impending divine judgment, including exile. Chapters 2 and 3 highlight Israel’s unfaithfulness, likening it to a treacherous wife. However, even in chapters of rebuke, glimmers of hope and future restoration appear. Verses just prior (Jeremiah 3:14-16) speak of a remnant returning and God providing faithful shepherds, leading into this grander vision of Jerusalem's future exaltation and the spiritual renewal of its people and the nations.

Key Themes

  • Jerusalem as God's Throne: The verse declares a future time when Jerusalem will no longer be merely a political capital or a city of rebellion, but explicitly "the throne of the LORD." This signifies God's direct, sovereign rule and presence being fully manifested there. It points to a Messianic age where divine authority is universally acknowledged.
  • Universal Gathering of Nations: The prophecy states that "all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem." This emphasizes a future era of universal worship and recognition of the one true God, moving beyond Israel-centric worship to include all peoples. This echoes similar prophecies found in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 2:2-4 and Zechariah 14:9, which speak of nations coming to Jerusalem to learn God's ways.
  • Radical Spiritual Transformation: Perhaps the most significant promise is, "neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart." The Hebrew phrase for "imagination of their evil heart" (sheriruth lev) denotes stubbornness, perverseness, and the hardened inclination towards evil. This future state signifies a profound internal change, where the deep-seated rebellion and idolatry that characterized Israel's history will be eradicated. This aligns with promises of a new heart and new spirit given by God, as seen in Ezekiel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the throne of the LORD" (כִּסֵּא יְהוָה - kisseh Yahweh) powerfully conveys God's ultimate dominion and the centrality of His presence. It elevates Jerusalem from a physical location to a spiritual epicenter where divine authority resides. The KJV's "imagination of their evil heart" translates the Hebrew sheriruth lev ra' (שְׁרִרוּת לֵב רָע), which implies a hard, obstinate, or stubborn heart, set on its own evil ways. This highlights the depth of human depravity that God promises to fundamentally alter in the future.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 3:17 offers tremendous hope, reminding us that God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration will prevail. Even when humanity is steeped in rebellion and sin, God foresees a future of spiritual renewal and universal recognition of His sovereignty. For believers, this verse underscores the importance of a transformed heart, not just external obedience. It points to the work of the Holy Spirit in changing our inner desires, leading us away from our own stubborn inclinations towards God's will. It also reinforces the global scope of God's redemptive purpose, encompassing all nations in His future kingdom. This prophetic vision encourages perseverance and faith in God's ultimate triumph over sin and rebellion.

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.

  • Ezekiel 43:7

    ¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, [neither] they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places.

  • Micah 4:1

    ¶ But in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

  • Micah 4:5

    For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.

  • Jeremiah 17:12

    ¶ A glorious high throne from the beginning [is] the place of our sanctuary.

  • Zechariah 2:11

    And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

  • Zechariah 8:20

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

  • Zechariah 8:23

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

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