Jeremiah 31:24

And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they [that] go forth with flocks.

And there shall dwell {H3427} in Judah {H3063} itself, and in all the cities {H5892} thereof together {H3162}, husbandmen {H406}, and they that go forth {H5265} with flocks {H5739}.

In it will live together Y'hudah and all its cities, the farmer and those who lead the flocks.

And Judah and all its cities will dwell together in the land, the farmers and those who move with the flocks,

And Judah and all the cities thereof shall dwell therein together, the husbandmen, and they that go about with flocks.

Jeremiah 31:24 is a verse steeped in hope and the promise of future restoration for the land of Judah and its people, after a period of severe judgment and exile.

Context

This verse is found within the "Book of Comfort" (Jeremiah chapters 30-33), a section of Jeremiah's prophecy dedicated to God's assurances of a future return and blessing for both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. At the time of this prophecy, Judah was facing, or had already entered, the Babylonian exile, a period of immense devastation and displacement. Jeremiah 31 specifically outlines a glorious future where God's people would be gathered from distant lands, rebuilt, and flourish. Verse 24 paints a vivid picture of this future normalcy, preceding the profound promise of the New Covenant in Jeremiah 31:31.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Restoration and Repopulation: The verse directly speaks to the repopulation of Judah and its cities. After the devastation of war and exile, the land would not remain desolate but would once again be inhabited. This signifies God's commitment to bringing His people back to their homeland, as promised in passages like Jeremiah 29:10.
  • Agricultural Prosperity: The mention of "husbandmen" (farmers) and "they that go forth with flocks" (shepherds) highlights a return to productive, life-sustaining activities. This implies not just mere survival, but a return to a state of peace, stability, and prosperity where the land yields its increase, and flocks thrive. It contrasts sharply with the desolation and famine that often accompanied judgment.
  • God's Faithfulness: Underlying this prophecy is God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite Israel's rebellion and subsequent punishment, God's ultimate plan for their restoration and blessing remains steadfast. This is a testament to God's enduring love (Jeremiah 31:3).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "husbandmen" is 'ikkarim (אִכָּרִים), referring to tillers of the soil or farmers. "They that go forth with flocks" uses the phrase venos'ei 'eder (וְנֹסְעֵי עֵדֶר), literally "those who travel with herds." These terms emphasize the foundational, agricultural and pastoral aspects of ancient Israelite society, indicating a return to the very fabric of their traditional way of life, ensuring self-sufficiency and communal well-being.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 31:24 offers a powerful message of hope for all generations. It reminds us that even after periods of great loss, desolation, or judgment, God has a plan for restoration and renewal. Whether facing personal struggles, societal breakdown, or national crises, this verse points to the possibility of a future where life returns to normal, productivity is restored, and peace prevails. It encourages us to trust in God's long-term plan and His ability to rebuild and replenish, even when circumstances seem dire, much like the promise of desolate cities being rebuilt and inhabited in Ezekiel's prophecy.

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.

  • Zechariah 8:4

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.

  • Zechariah 8:8

    And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.

  • Ezekiel 36:10

    And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, [even] all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded:

  • Jeremiah 33:11

    The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD [is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: [and] of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 33:13

    In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth [them], saith the LORD.

  • Zechariah 2:4

    And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited [as] towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:

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