Jeremiah 31:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:2 stands as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering grace and covenant faithfulness to His people, Israel, even amidst the severe judgment of exile. It vividly portrays the surviving remnant, those who escaped the devastation of war, as encountering unmerited favor and divine provision in their "wilderness" experience of Babylonian captivity. This verse anticipates God's sovereign act of leading them back to a place of security and peace, echoing His miraculous care for their ancestors during the Exodus, thereby underscoring His unwavering commitment to their restoration and ultimate rest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:2 is strategically placed within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), a pivotal section in Jeremiah's prophecy that dramatically shifts from pronouncements of impending judgment and destruction to glorious promises of future restoration and hope for both Judah and Israel. This particular verse immediately follows a promise of the Lord's return to Zion and His rebuilding of Israel (Jeremiah 31:1), setting the stage for the detailed assurances of national renewal. It precedes the celebrated promise of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"), establishing a foundational theme of God's steadfast love and redemptive purpose despite His people's unfaithfulness. The imagery of the "wilderness" and "rest" also harks back to the Exodus narrative, providing a rich intertextual link that underscores God's consistent character throughout salvation history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy, the people of Judah were either experiencing the devastating effects of the Babylonian invasions or were already in exile. The phrase "the people which were left of the sword" directly refers to the survivors of the brutal siege of Jerusalem and the subsequent deportations, those who endured immense suffering and displacement. This was a period of national catastrophe, with the temple destroyed and the Davidic monarchy overthrown. Culturally, the "wilderness" (Hebrew: _midbâr_) was a potent symbol in Israelite consciousness, representing both a place of testing and divine provision, as seen in the forty years after the Exodus. By drawing this parallel, Jeremiah reminds his audience that even in their current "wilderness" of exile, God's presence and grace are available, just as they were for their ancestors. The promise of "rest" (Hebrew: _râgaʻ_) was deeply significant for an exiled people, signifying an end to their wandering, turmoil, and insecurity, and a return to their land and a settled life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Grace Amidst Hardship**, emphasizing that God's unmerited favor (Hebrew: _chên_) is not withdrawn even when His people face severe judgment or are reduced to a remnant. Their "wilderness" experience, whether literal exile or metaphorical desolation, becomes a crucible where God's sustaining grace is profoundly encountered. This theme resonates with God's promise to be with His people even [through the waters and rivers](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - God's Presence in Trouble"). Secondly, it powerfully declares **God's Promise of Restoration**, signaling His intent to bring His people back from exile and establish them in peace and security, as promised in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile"). The phrase "when I went to cause him to rest" signifies an end to their suffering and wandering, leading to a settled, peaceful state. Lastly, the verse underscores the **Continuity of God's Covenant**, by recalling the Exodus experience and God's wilderness provision (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Testing and Provision in the Wilderness")), it emphasizes the consistency of God's character and His enduring 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, foreshadowing the greater promises of the [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "The New Covenant") that follow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grace (Hebrew, _chên'_):** From H2580, this word signifies graciousness, kindness, favor, or beauty. In Jeremiah 31:2, it refers to God's unmerited favor shown to the remnant of Israel. It emphasizes that their survival and future restoration are not due to their own merit or strength, but solely to God's benevolent disposition and active provision, even in the direst circumstances of their "wilderness" exile. It highlights the divine initiative in their redemption.
* **Wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** From H4057, this term denotes a pasture or open field where cattle are driven, and by implication, a desert. In a biblical context, the "wilderness" is often a place of testing, wandering, and hardship, yet also a place where God's presence, provision, and covenant faithfulness are uniquely revealed. Here, it metaphorically refers to the Babylonian exile, a period of desolation and displacement, where God's grace was nonetheless found by the survivors.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _râgaʻ'_):** From H7280, this primitive root means to toss violently and suddenly (like the sea with waves), but figuratively, it means to settle or quiet. In the Hiphil stem (causative), as used here, "to cause him to rest" signifies bringing someone to a state of quietude, security, and peace after a period of unrest, wandering, or turmoil. For the exiled Israelites, this promised "rest" was a profound anticipation of returning to their land, rebuilding their lives, and experiencing _shalom_ under God's sovereign care.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD,"**: This opening phrase is a prophetic formula (H559, _ʼâmar_), authenticating the message as a direct revelation from YHWH (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. It establishes the divine authority and certainty of the ensuing promise, underscoring that this is not merely human speculation but a divine decree.
* **"The people which were left of the sword"**: This refers to the survivors (H8300, _sârîyd_) of the devastating Babylonian invasion and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem. The "sword" (H2719, _chereb_) symbolizes the instrument of divine judgment and warfare, highlighting the extreme suffering and decimation Israel endured. This remnant (H5971, _ʻam_) is the specific focus of God's continued redemptive plan, demonstrating His preservation amidst catastrophe.
* **"found grace in the wilderness;"**: This is the core declaration of God's unmerited favor (H2580, _chên_) extended to the suffering remnant. The verb "found" (H4672, _mâtsâʼ_) implies an unexpected encounter or discovery. The "wilderness" (H4057, _midbâr_) is a powerful metaphor for their exile, a place of desolation, hardship, and displacement, yet it is precisely here that God's sustaining grace is encountered. It intentionally echoes Israel's original Exodus journey, where God provided for them in the literal wilderness, establishing a pattern of divine faithfulness in desolate places.
* **"even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest."**: "Israel" (H3478, _Yisrâʼêl_) here refers to the entire covenant people, encompassing both Judah and the northern kingdom, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's restoration. The phrase "when I went" (H1980, _hâlak_) signifies God's active, intentional movement and intervention, indicating His sovereign initiative in their deliverance. The purpose of this divine action is "to cause him to rest" (H7280, _râgaʻ_), promising an end to their turmoil, wandering, and suffering, and leading them into a state of peace, security, and settled dwelling, ultimately in their own land.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:2 is rich with literary devices that enhance its theological impact. **Metaphor** is prominently used, as the "wilderness" serves as a powerful metaphor for the Babylonian exile, a period of desolation and hardship, yet paradoxically, a place where grace is found. This **Intertextual Allusion** to the Exodus wilderness journey creates a profound **Parallelism**, drawing a direct comparison between God's past faithfulness in sustaining Israel after their liberation from Egypt and His future faithfulness in restoring them from Babylonian captivity. This parallelism underscores the unchanging character of God and the continuity of His covenant promises. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** or **Paradox** in finding "grace" (unmerited favor) in a "wilderness" (a place of judgment and suffering), highlighting God's ability to bring blessing out of desolation and hope out of despair. The phrase "left of the sword" employs **Synecdoche**, where "sword" represents the entire destructive force of war and judgment, emphasizing the sheer scale of the catastrophe from which a remnant survived.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:2 is a cornerstone passage for understanding God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when they face the consequences of their sin. It profoundly illustrates that divine judgment is not the final word for those who belong to Him; rather, it is a purifying process through which His grace shines brightest. The verse teaches that God's favor is not dependent on human merit but flows from His own benevolent character and sovereign purpose. The "wilderness" experience, whether literal or metaphorical, becomes a crucible where true faith is forged and God's sustaining presence is most keenly felt, preparing His people for the promised "rest" and restoration. This divine initiative to "cause him to rest" foreshadows the ultimate peace and security found in God's presence, a theme that resonates throughout biblical theology, culminating in the eschatological rest promised to God's people.

* [Exodus 16:35](/exodus/16-35 "Exodus 16:35 - God's Provision in the Wilderness")
* [Isaiah 43:19-20](/isaiah/43-19-20 "Isaiah 43:19-20 - New Things in the Wilderness")
* [Hosea 2:14-15](/hosea/2-14-15 "Hosea 2:14-15 - God's Allure to the Wilderness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:2 offers immense comfort and profound challenge for believers today. It reminds us that even when we navigate seasons of immense loss, hardship, or consequences for our choices—our own personal or collective "wilderness" experiences—God's grace remains abundantly available and actively at work. These periods of desolation are not devoid of divine presence; rather, they can become the very spaces where we most deeply encounter God's sustaining power and unmerited favor. The verse encourages us to look for God's grace in unexpected places, even amidst the "sword" of life's trials, trusting that He is faithfully working to bring us to a place of rest and renewed peace. It reinforces the truth that God is sovereign over our circumstances and faithful to His promises, always guiding His people toward ultimate restoration and _shalom_, regardless of how bleak the present may seem. It calls us to cultivate a posture of hope and dependence, knowing that our "wilderness" is never beyond the reach of His redemptive hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "wilderness" experiences of your life have you unexpectedly found God's grace?**
* **How does the concept of God "causing you to rest" speak to your current anxieties or struggles?**
* **What does this verse teach you about God's character and His faithfulness, even when His people are disobedient?**
* **How can remembering God's past faithfulness (like the Exodus) strengthen your trust in His promises for your future?**

### FAQ

**What does "the people which were left of the sword" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the survivors of the devastating military campaigns and subsequent destruction brought upon Judah by the Babylonians, particularly the siege of Jerusalem and the subsequent deportations into exile. The "sword" symbolizes the instrument of war and divine judgment. Thus, it speaks of the remnant, those who escaped death and were carried into captivity, highlighting their dire circumstances and God's miraculous preservation of a portion of His people. This remnant was the focus of God's continuing covenant faithfulness and the recipients of His grace.

**How did the people "find grace in the wilderness" during the exile?**

Answer: The "wilderness" here is a metaphor for the Babylonian exile, a period of immense suffering, displacement, and spiritual desolation for the Israelites. They found grace in this "wilderness" in several ways: God preserved a remnant, preventing their complete annihilation; He sustained them through the difficult years of captivity; He raised up prophets like Ezekiel and Daniel to minister to them; and He ultimately fulfilled His promise to bring them back to their land. This echoes God's miraculous provision and guidance for Israel during their literal wilderness journey after the Exodus (e.g., [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail in the Wilderness")), demonstrating His consistent faithfulness even in their darkest times. The grace was found not in the absence of hardship, but in God's presence and provision within it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's grace and provides the true, eternal rest for His people. The "grace" found in the wilderness by the remnant of Israel foreshadows the immeasurable grace offered through Christ, who is the [Word made flesh, full of grace and truth](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Just as God preserved a remnant from the "sword" of judgment, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, delivers all who believe from the ultimate judgment of sin, offering them a new covenant of grace (as promised in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), which is fully inaugurated in His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")). The "wilderness" of Israel's exile, a place of testing and suffering, points to the broader human condition of spiritual wandering and alienation from God due to sin. Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"), seeks out and brings His scattered flock into His fold, leading them to green pastures and still waters, symbolizing the ultimate "rest" He provides. He invites all who are weary and burdened to [come to Him and find rest for their souls](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"), a rest far surpassing any physical return to a land. This rest is not merely an absence of turmoil, but a deep, abiding peace and security found in reconciliation with God through Christ, the true Israel ([Galatians 6:16](/galatians/6-16 "Galatians 6:16 - The Israel of God")). He is the one who enables us to find grace in every "wilderness" of life, leading us to our eternal home and the promised Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")).

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

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.