Jeremiah 31:2

Thus saith the LORD, The people [which were] left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; [even] Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, The people {H5971} which were left {H8300} of the sword {H2719} found {H4672} grace {H2580} in the wilderness {H4057}; even Israel {H3478}, when I went {H1980} to cause him to rest {H7280}.

Here is what ADONAI says: "The people escaping the sword found favor in the desert I have brought Isra'el to its rest."

This is what the LORD says: “The people who survived the sword found favor in the wilderness when Israel went to find rest.”

Thus saith Jehovah, The people that were left of the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.

Commentary

Historical and Cultural Context

Jeremiah 31:2 is a profound statement found within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), a pivotal section in the prophet Jeremiah's message that shifts from pronouncements of judgment to glorious promises of restoration. At this point, the people of Judah were facing, or had already endured, the devastating Babylonian exile, a period of immense suffering and displacement. The phrase "the people which were left of the sword" directly refers to the survivors of the war and destruction of Jerusalem, those who were carried into captivity. The verse intentionally draws a parallel to Israel's original journey from Egyptian bondage, where they "found grace in the wilderness" during the Exodus, reminding them of God's enduring faithfulness even in their darkest times.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Grace Amidst Hardship: The central message is God's unwavering grace (Hebrew: chen). Even when His people face severe judgment and are reduced to a remnant "left of the sword," His favor is present. Their "wilderness" experience, whether literal exile or metaphorical desolation, becomes a place where God's sustaining grace is found.
  • God's Promise of Restoration: This verse is a powerful declaration of God's intent to bring His people back from exile and give them peace and security. The promise "when I went to cause him to rest" signifies an end to their suffering, wandering, and turmoil, leading to a settled, peaceful state.
  • Continuity of God's Covenant: By recalling the Exodus experience, the verse emphasizes the consistency of God's character and His covenant relationship with Israel. Just as He sustained them in the wilderness after delivering them from Egypt, He will again show His power and compassion to bring them out of captivity and into a place of rest. This foreshadows the greater promise of the new covenant introduced later in this chapter.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "grace" in this verse is chen (חֵן), which signifies favor, charm, or acceptance. It highlights that God's provision for Israel, both in the ancient wilderness and in their future restoration, was not earned but freely given out of His divine benevolence. The phrase "found grace in the wilderness" directly echoes the miraculous sustenance and guidance God provided during the forty years after the Exodus, despite Israel's frequent rebellion (e.g., Deuteronomy 8:2). The verb "to cause him to rest" (le-hargi'o) implies bringing someone to a state of quietude, security, and peace after a period of unrest or wandering.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 31:2 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that even when we face significant loss, hardship, or consequences for our actions—our own "wilderness" experiences—God's grace is still abundantly available. Periods of difficulty can become seasons where we most deeply experience God's sustaining presence and unmerited favor, preparing us for a future "rest" or renewed peace He promises. This verse reinforces the truth that God is faithful to His promises, and even when life is chaotic, we can trust Him to guide us to a place of security and restoration.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 95:11

    Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

  • Numbers 10:33

    And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.

  • Deuteronomy 1:33

    Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents [in], in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.

  • Matthew 11:28

    Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

  • Isaiah 63:7

    ¶ I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, [and] the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

  • Isaiah 63:14

    As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.

  • Exodus 14:8

    And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.
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