Jeremiah 30:21

KJV

And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who [is] this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And their nobles {H117} shall be of themselves, and their governor {H4910} shall proceed {H3318} from the midst {H7130} of them; and I will cause him to draw near {H7126}, and he shall approach {H5066} unto me: for who is this that engaged {H6148} his heart {H3820} to approach {H5066} unto me? saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their leader will be one of their own, their ruler will come from among them. I will cause him to come close and let him approach me; for, otherwise, who would guarantee his heart enough to approach me?" says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Their leader will be one of their own, and their ruler will arise from their midst. And I will bring him near, and he will approach Me, for who would dare on his own to approach Me?” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

And their prince shall be of themselves, and their ruler shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is he that hath had boldness to approach unto me? saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 30:21 is a profound prophetic declaration within the "Book of Comfort," envisioning the restoration of Israel and Judah under a divinely appointed, native leader. This verse promises that the future ruler will emerge from among the people, enjoying unparalleled access to God's presence, an intimacy not achieved by human will but by divine initiative. It highlights God's sovereign plan to establish righteous governance and a renewed covenant relationship with His people, culminating in a leader uniquely qualified to mediate between God and the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 30:21 is nestled within the "Book of Comfort" (Jeremiah 30-33), a section of Jeremiah's prophecy that dramatically shifts from pronouncements of judgment to glorious promises of restoration for Judah and Israel. Following chapters detailing the impending Babylonian exile and the consequences of their sin, chapters 30-33 offer a beacon of hope, assuring the exiles of their future return, national reunification, and spiritual renewal under a new covenant. This specific verse, therefore, serves as a crucial component of this future vision, detailing the nature of the leadership that will govern the restored nation, contrasting sharply with the corrupt or foreign rulers that had plagued them. It immediately follows a promise of God's judgment on their oppressors and His deliverance of Jacob from captivity, setting the stage for the establishment of internal, righteous governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Jeremiah was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last kings before the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The nation faced constant threats from powerful empires like Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon, often resulting in foreign domination or the installation of puppet kings. Native leadership was frequently corrupt, idolatrous, or ineffective, leading to societal decay and divine judgment. Culturally, the idea of a divinely chosen leader was deeply embedded in Israelite thought, stemming from the Mosaic covenant and the Davidic promise. However, the reality often fell short. This verse, therefore, speaks directly to the yearning for a true, indigenous leader who would rule justly and maintain proper relationship with God, a stark contrast to the current political and spiritual landscape of Jeremiah's day, where kings often led the people astray.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 30:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Restoration**, portraying God's active role in bringing His people back from exile and re-establishing their national identity and spiritual vitality. The promise of a native governor highlights **Righteous Leadership**, emphasizing that true authority and well-being for the nation derive from a leader who is both from among the people and divinely sanctioned, unlike the unrighteous kings condemned elsewhere in Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 22:1-5](/jeremiah/22-1-5 "Jeremiah 22:1-5 - Warning to the House of David")). Furthermore, the unique access to God described ("I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me") introduces the theme of **Priestly Kingship**, foreshadowing a leader who will combine political governance with sacred mediation. This sacred access is not a human undertaking but a **Sovereign Divine Initiative**, as highlighted by the rhetorical question, "who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD," underscoring God's absolute control and intentionality in raising up such a figure for the benefit of His people and the fulfillment of His covenant promises, a concept echoed in God's promises to David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nobles (Hebrew, _ʼaddîyr'_):** From the root meaning "wide" or "large," this term figuratively denotes someone "powerful," "excellent," "glorious," or "mighty." In this context, it refers to the prominent, authoritative figures within the community. The promise that "their nobles shall be of themselves" signifies an end to foreign imposition and the restoration of authentic, internal leadership, implying dignity, strength, and inherent worth within the restored nation.
* **Governor (Hebrew, _mâshal'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to rule" or "to have dominion," this word specifically points to the one who exercises governing authority. It implies a figure with power to reign and lead. The phrase "their governor shall proceed from the midst of them" emphasizes that this ruler will not be an outsider or an oppressor but a legitimate, indigenous leader, truly representative of the people and their interests, contrasting with the foreign domination Israel had experienced.
* **Approach (Hebrew, _nâgash'_):** This primitive root signifies "to be or come near" for various purposes, including religious worship or presentation. When used in conjunction with "draw near" (Hebrew, _qârab'_), it emphasizes a profound, intimate, and privileged access to God. The rhetorical question, "who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me?" highlights the extraordinary nature of this access, implying that such a relationship is not self-initiated but divinely enabled and sanctioned, marking this leader as uniquely set apart for sacred communion with the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their nobles shall be of themselves":** This clause promises that the prominent and powerful leaders of the restored nation will originate from within their own community, rather than being imposed by foreign powers or arising from external influence. It signifies a return to national self-determination and dignity, where the authority figures are truly representative of the people.
* **"and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them":** Reinforcing the previous statement, this specifies that the supreme ruler, the one who governs, will also emerge from the indigenous population. This ensures that the leadership is authentic, understands the people's needs, and is accountable to them, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity.
* **"and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me":** This is a pivotal declaration of divine initiative. God Himself will enable and facilitate this leader's intimate access to His presence. The verbs "draw near" and "approach" are often used in contexts of priestly or royal access to the divine, implying a unique, sacred relationship and the authority to mediate between God and the people. This access is not earned but divinely granted.
* **"for who [is] this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD.":** This rhetorical question underscores the extraordinary nature of the access granted to this leader. It highlights that such a profound and intimate relationship with God is not something a human can achieve or "engage his heart" to do on his own initiative. Rather, it is a rare, divinely ordained privilege, emphasizing God's sovereign choice and enablement of this specific individual for this sacred role. The concluding "saith the LORD" affirms the divine authority and certainty of this promise.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 30:21 employs several significant **Literary Devices** to convey its powerful message of restoration and divine leadership. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, seen in the phrases "their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them." This reinforces the idea of indigenous leadership and emphasizes the unity of the people and their rulers. The verse also features a striking **Rhetorical Question**: "for who [is] this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD." This question is not meant to be answered literally but serves to highlight the unique and divinely initiated nature of the leader's access to God. It underscores God's sovereignty and the extraordinary privilege bestowed upon this chosen individual, implying that no ordinary human could presume such intimacy with the Almighty. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **Prophetic Foreshadowing**, pointing beyond the immediate historical context to a future, ideal leader, often understood as the Messiah, who perfectly embodies the qualities of native origin, righteous rule, and unparalleled divine access. The use of terms associated with priestly access ("draw near," "approach") also suggests **Symbolism**, indicating a leader who will not only govern but also mediate, bridging the gap between God and His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 30:21 is rich with theological implications, primarily centering on God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His sovereign plan for their future. It speaks to the divine desire for righteous governance and a true, intimate relationship between a leader and the Lord. The promise of a native ruler who can "draw near" to God stands in stark contrast to the corrupt kings of Judah's past and the oppressive foreign powers of Jeremiah's day. This unique access signifies not just political authority but a sacred, priestly role, where the leader acts as a mediator and representative before God. It underscores the theme that true leadership is divinely ordained and enabled, not merely a matter of human ambition or political maneuvering. This verse lays foundational theological groundwork for understanding the nature of God's ultimate king, who would perfectly fulfill these roles.

* [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")
* [Psalm 2:6-7](/psalm/2-6 "Psalm 2:6-7 - God's Anointed King")
* [Zechariah 6:12-13](/zechariah/6-12 "Zechariah 6:12-13 - The Branch, Priest and King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 30:21 offers enduring hope and a profound model for leadership, both in the public sphere and within the church. It reminds us that God desires leaders who are not only "of themselves" – that is, intimately connected to and representative of the people they serve – but also, and more critically, deeply connected to Him. The unique privilege of "drawing near" to God signifies a leader whose authority and wisdom are derived not from human strength or political savvy, but from divine enablement and intimate communion with the Almighty. For believers today, this verse challenges us to consider the character of those we follow and to pray for leaders who genuinely seek God's heart and guidance. It also calls us to personal reflection: Do we, as individuals, "engage our hearts to approach" God, or do we recognize that true spiritual intimacy is a gift and calling from Him? This verse encourages a posture of humility and dependence on God's sovereign initiative in our lives and in the lives of those who lead us. It inspires us to trust in God's ultimate plan for restoration and righteous rule, knowing that He is actively working to establish His perfect kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of a leader "from the midst of them" resonate with our understanding of effective and compassionate leadership today?**
* **What does it mean for a leader to "draw near" and "approach" God, and how can we discern this quality in those who lead us?**
* **In what ways does the rhetorical question, "who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me?", challenge our assumptions about achieving spiritual intimacy or leadership?**
* **How can we, as individuals, cultivate a "heart engaged" by God to draw near to Him, recognizing His sovereign initiative in our spiritual lives?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Book of Comfort" in Jeremiah?**

Answer: The "Book of Comfort" refers to Jeremiah chapters 30-33. This section stands out within the prophet's overall message of judgment because it contains glorious prophecies of future restoration for both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. It promises their return from exile, national reunification, and the establishment of a new covenant, offering hope and assurance of God's faithfulness despite impending judgment. It details God's plan to heal His people, rebuild their cities, and establish a righteous leader, culminating in the promise of the Davidic Messiah.

**Does this verse refer to a specific historical figure or is it prophetic?**

Answer: While the immediate context is the restoration of Israel and Judah after the Babylonian exile, the language of Jeremiah 30:21 points beyond any single historical figure who ruled during the post-exilic period. No human leader perfectly embodied the unparalleled intimacy with God and the divinely initiated access described here. Therefore, biblical scholars widely interpret this verse as primarily prophetic, ultimately finding its complete fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "governor" who proceeded "from the midst" of Israel and uniquely "drew near" to God, perfectly mediating between God and humanity, as seen in [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 30:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. He is the quintessential "governor" who proceeded "from the midst" of His people, being fully human and born of the lineage of David, a true Israelite (cf. [Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Concerning His Son")). Yet, He is also the divine Son of God, uniquely qualified to "draw near" and "approach" the Father. Unlike any earthly ruler or priest, Jesus did not merely "engage his heart" to approach God; He is eternally one with the Father, embodying perfect communion and access (cf. [John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - I and the Father are one")). As our Great High Priest, Jesus has entered the very presence of God on our behalf, not with the blood of animals but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ Our High Priest")). He is the one who perfectly mediates between God and humanity, reconciling us to the Father. Through Him, we, too, are invited to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace" (cf. [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approaching the Throne of Grace")). Thus, Jeremiah's vision of a divinely appointed leader with unparalleled access to God is gloriously realized in Christ, who is both our King and our High Priest, establishing a spiritual kingdom where God's people are truly governed by His righteous rule and brought into intimate fellowship with Him.

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

Numbers 16:5

And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who [are] his, and [who is] holy; and will cause [him] to come near unto him: even [him] whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.

Ezekiel 34:23

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

Ezekiel 34:24

And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken [it].

Ezekiel 37:24

And David my servant [shall be] king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

Mark 11:9

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

Mark 11:10

Blessed [be] the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

Acts 5:31

Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.