Jeremiah 30:18

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Behold, I will bring again {H7725} the captivity {H7622} of Jacob's {H3290} tents {H168}, and have mercy {H7355} on his dwellingplaces {H4908}; and the city {H5892} shall be builded {H1129} upon her own heap {H8510}, and the palace {H759} shall remain {H3427} after the manner {H4941} thereof.

Thus says ADONAI: "I will return Ya'akov's captives to their tents; I will take pity on his dwellings. Cities will be rebuilt on their own tels, with palaces where they're supposed to be.

This is what the LORD says: “I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings. And the city will be rebuilt on her own ruins, and the palace will stand in its rightful place.

Thus saith Jehovah: Behold, I will turn again the captivity of Jacob’s tents, and have compassion on his dwelling-places; and the city shall be builded upon its own hill, and the palace shall be inhabited after its own manner.

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 30:18 stands as a beacon of hope within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah chapters 30-33), a pivotal section of the prophet Jeremiah's writings. While much of Jeremiah's prophecy details severe judgment against Judah for its idolatry and disobedience, these chapters pivot to promises of future restoration for Israel and Judah after their impending Babylonian captivity. This verse specifically addresses the return from exile and the rebuilding of the nation and its capital, Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Divine Restoration: The central promise is God's active intervention to "bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents." This signifies a complete reversal of fortune for the exiled people, moving from dispersion and suffering back to their homeland. It's not merely release, but a full restoration of their national and spiritual identity.
  • God's Mercy and Compassion: The phrase "have mercy on his dwellingplaces" highlights God's profound compassion as the driving force behind this restoration. Despite their transgressions, God's covenant love for His people endures, leading Him to pity their desolate state and act on their behalf.
  • Rebuilding and Reestablishment: The promise that "the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof" speaks to the physical reconstruction of Jerusalem and its significant structures. It assures that the city, which would be reduced to ruins, would be rebuilt on its original foundation, and its governmental or royal center (the palace) would be restored to its proper function and dignity. This implies a return to order, stability, and national sovereignty.

Linguistic Insights

The term "heap" (Hebrew: tel) is significant. A tel is an archaeological mound formed over centuries by the accumulation of debris from successive layers of human habitation, often indicating a city destroyed and then rebuilt repeatedly on the same site. By stating "the city shall be builded upon her own heap," the prophecy emphasizes that Jerusalem would literally rise again from its own ruins, affirming its enduring identity and location, rather than being abandoned or re-established elsewhere. This underscores the completeness and authenticity of the restoration.

Significance and Application

Jeremiah 30:18 offers timeless principles of hope and God's unwavering faithfulness. For the original audience, it was a vital assurance that their suffering was not the end, and God had a future for them beyond judgment. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to bring restoration out of utter desolation, whether on a national, community, or personal level. It teaches that even when things seem destroyed or lost, God's mercy can rebuild and reestablish what was broken. It speaks to the enduring nature of God's promises and His commitment to His people, providing comfort and confidence that His plans for good will ultimately prevail, as seen in His promises for a hope and a future.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Haggai 2:7

    And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Haggai 2:9

    The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Psalms 102:13

    Thou shalt arise, [and] have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.

  • Jeremiah 30:3

    For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.

  • Jeremiah 33:7

    And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first.

  • Jeremiah 49:39

    But it shall come to pass in the latter days, [that] I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 23:3

    And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
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