Jeremiah 31:10

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare [it] in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd [doth] his flock.

Hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, O ye nations {H1471}, and declare {H5046} it in the isles {H339} afar off {H4801}, and say {H559}, He that scattered {H2219} Israel {H3478} will gather {H6908} him, and keep {H8104} him, as a shepherd {H7462} doth his flock {H5739}.

Nations, hear the word of ADONAI! Proclaim it in the coastlands far away. Say: "He who scattered Isra'el is gathering him, guarding him like a shepherd his flock."

Hear, O nations, the word of the LORD, and proclaim it in distant coastlands: “The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock.

Hear the word of Jehovah, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off; and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

Jeremiah 31:10, nestled within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah chapters 30-33), delivers a powerful message of hope and divine faithfulness following prophecies of judgment and impending exile. This verse is a universal declaration, calling all nations to witness God's unwavering commitment to His people.

Context

The prophet Jeremiah lived during a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian captivity, delivering stern warnings of God's judgment against Judah's sin. However, chapters 30-33 pivot to prophecies of restoration and a glorious future for Israel and Judah. Jeremiah 31 specifically focuses on the return from exile, the renewal of the covenant, and the rebuilding of the nation. Verse 10 serves as a global announcement of this future restoration, emphasizing that God's power extends far beyond the borders of Israel, even to the "isles afar off."

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Restoration: The verse proclaims that the very God who allowed Israel to be scattered among the nations is the one who will gather them back. This highlights God's ultimate control over history and His people's destiny. It's a promise of national and spiritual renewal after a period of severe discipline.
  • God as Shepherd: The imagery of God keeping His people "as a shepherd doth his flock" is deeply comforting. This metaphor, prevalent throughout the Old Testament, signifies God's tender care, protection, provision, and guidance for His people, much like a shepherd diligently watches over his sheep. Psalm 23:1 famously echoes this sentiment.
  • Universal Proclamation: The command to "Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off" underscores the global significance of God's redemptive plan. It's a message not just for Israel, but for all humanity to witness God's faithfulness and power to restore.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "scattered" (תָּפַץ, taphatz) implies being dispersed or broken up, a direct consequence of their disobedience. Conversely, "gather" (קָבַץ, qavats) means to collect, assemble, or bring together, signifying a complete reversal of their plight. The term for "shepherd" (רֹעֶה, ro'eh) is a rich and familiar metaphor for God's caring and protective nature, often paired with the idea of leading His people (e.g., Ezekiel 34:11-16).

Practical Application

Jeremiah 31:10 offers profound hope and assurance for believers today.

  • Hope in Adversity: Just as God promised to gather Israel from exile, He is capable of restoring what seems lost or broken in our lives. This verse reminds us that even after periods of scattering or difficulty, God's promise of restoration stands.
  • God's Unfailing Care: The "shepherd" image assures us of God's constant, vigilant care. He watches over His flock, protecting, guiding, and providing for His people. We can trust in His steadfast love and faithfulness.
  • A Call to Declare: The command to "declare it in the isles afar off" is a timeless call for believers to share the good news of God's redemptive power and faithfulness with the world, testifying to His ability to gather and keep His own.
This verse beautifully encapsulates God's enduring covenant love and His ultimate plan to bring His people home, both literally and spiritually, under His watchful care.

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.

  • Isaiah 40:11

    He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

  • Ezekiel 34:12

    As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep [that are] scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

  • Isaiah 66:19

    And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

  • Deuteronomy 30:4

    If [any] of thine be driven out unto the outmost [parts] of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee:

  • Zephaniah 3:19

    Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.

  • John 10:27

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

  • John 11:52

    And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back