Jeremiah 31:35

KJV

¶ Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, [and] the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts [is] his name:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, which giveth {H5414} the sun {H8121} for a light {H216} by day {H3119}, and the ordinances {H2708} of the moon {H3394} and of the stars {H3556} for a light {H216} by night {H3915}, which divideth {H7280} the sea {H3220} when the waves {H1530} thereof roar {H1993}; The LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} is his name {H8034}:

Complete Jewish Bible

This is what ADONAI says, who gives the sun as light for the day, who ordained the laws for the moon and stars to provide light for the night, who stirs up the sea until its waves rorar -- ADONAI-Tzva'ot is his name:

Berean Standard Bible

Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day, who sets in order the moon and stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name:

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, who giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who stirreth up the sea, so that the waves thereof roar; Jehovah of hosts is his name:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:35 stands as a profound declaration of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness, grounding His covenant promises in the immutable order of His creation. The verse asserts God's consistent governance over the celestial bodies—the sun, moon, and stars—and His formidable power over the tumultuous forces of the sea, culminating in the majestic affirmation of His name, "The LORD of hosts." This foundational truth serves as an unshakeable assurance that God's word and His commitment to His people are as certain and reliable as the cosmic laws He Himself has established and sustains.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:35 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Jeremiah 30-33), a section of the prophet's writings that dramatically shifts from pronouncements of judgment and exile to glorious prophecies of restoration and hope for both Israel and Judah. Specifically, chapter 31 is renowned for its detailed vision of a future return from captivity and the establishment of a [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") that will supersede the old, written on the hearts of God's people. Verse 35, along with the subsequent verses (Jeremiah 31:36-37), functions as a divine oath, providing an unassailable guarantee for the permanence and reliability of God's promises to His chosen people. It grounds the certainty of God's covenant faithfulness in the unchangeable order of His creation, emphasizing that His commitment is as fixed as the laws governing the universe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, leading up to and during the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE). The people of Judah were experiencing immense suffering, displacement, and the apparent failure of God's covenant promises, as their land was desolated and their temple destroyed. In such a context of despair and doubt, the prophet's message of future restoration and a new covenant was radical and counter-intuitive. The ancient Near Eastern world, including Israel, understood the cosmos as divinely ordered. The sun, moon, and stars were seen as powerful, consistent entities, often deified by surrounding cultures. By asserting Yahweh's sole and absolute control over these elements, Jeremiah not only refuted pagan idolatry but also provided a tangible, universally observable proof of God's constancy and power, thereby bolstering the credibility of His promises to a disheartened nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Order**, presenting God as the supreme Architect and Sustainer of the universe, whose meticulous design and ongoing control over creation demonstrate His absolute power. Secondly, it highlights **Unwavering Faithfulness**, emphasizing that God's word and covenant are as reliable as the fixed laws of the cosmos, providing immense assurance that what God has promised, He will surely perform, regardless of human circumstances or failures. This theme is echoed in passages like [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change") and [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same"). Thirdly, the verse showcases **God's Power Over Chaos**, with the allusion to dividing the sea, recalling the miraculous [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Parting of the Red Sea") during the Exodus. This signifies God's ability to bring order out of chaos and to overcome any obstacle that might threaten His plans or people. Finally, the declaration of "The LORD of hosts" reinforces the theme of **God's Absolute Authority and Omnipotence**, signifying His irresistible power as the commander of all heavenly and earthly forces, capable of fulfilling every promise and enacting every decree.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **giveth (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root is broadly used to mean "to give," but also "to put," "to make," "to appoint," or "to establish." In Jeremiah 31:35, it signifies God's active role as the bestower and ordainer of the cosmic lights. It's not merely that the sun, moon, and stars exist, but that God purposefully *gives* them their function and existence as sources of light and order, highlighting His intentional and ongoing creative and sustaining power.
* **ordinances (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** This term refers to an enactment, statute, or established law. It denotes something fixed, prescribed, and unchangeable. When applied to the moon and stars, it emphasizes the regularity, predictability, and inviolable nature of their celestial movements and functions. These are not random occurrences but operate according to divine, unalterable decrees, reinforcing the idea of a cosmos governed by precise and reliable divine law.
* **divideth (Hebrew, _râgaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to toss violently and suddenly" (as the sea with waves) or, conversely, "to settle" or "quiet." In this context, it refers to God's power to control and subdue the tumultuous sea, making it calm or separating its waters. It evokes images of God's mastery over chaotic natural forces, demonstrating His ability to impose order and peace where there is inherent instability and danger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority of the declaration, identifying the speaker as Yahweh. It immediately highlights God's role as the Creator and Sustainer of the most fundamental cosmic order—the provision of daylight through the sun. This is a daily, observable miracle, testifying to His consistent power and benevolent provision.
* **"[and] the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night":** Expanding on the theme of divine order, this clause emphasizes God's establishment of fixed, unchangeable laws ("ordinances") governing the nocturnal lights. The moon and stars, with their predictable cycles and positions, serve as a constant source of light and a testament to God's meticulous design and control over the entire cosmos, ensuring order even in darkness.
* **"which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar":** This powerful phrase shifts from celestial order to terrestrial dominion. It alludes to God's formidable power over the chaotic and often terrifying forces of nature, particularly the sea. The "roaring waves" symbolize untamed, destructive power, yet God is depicted as the one who " divides" or calms them, demonstrating His absolute mastery over all that is wild and uncontrollable. This likely echoes the [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") (Exodus 14) and other biblical narratives where God asserts His sovereignty over the waters.
* **"The LORD of hosts [is] his name":** The verse culminates in this majestic affirmation of God's identity. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) is a powerful divine title signifying God's absolute authority and irresistible power as the commander of all heavenly armies (angels) and earthly forces. It underscores His omnipotence, His ability to command and control all things, and His unwavering capacity to fulfill every promise and enact every decree. This name encapsulates the very essence of the God who governs the cosmos and subdues chaos.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:35 makes rich use of several **literary devices** to convey its profound theological message. The primary device is **Parallelism**, specifically **synthetic parallelism**, where the second part of the verse expands upon or completes the thought of the first. The provision of sun by day is paralleled by the ordinances of the moon and stars by night, both illustrating God's cosmic order. The shift to "dividing the sea" then introduces a new, yet related, aspect of God's power over chaos. **Personification** is subtly present in "when the waves thereof roar," giving the waves a voice or a menacing presence, which further highlights God's power to subdue such forces. The verse also employs **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** by using "sun," "moon," and "stars" to represent the entire cosmic order and its consistent laws. Finally, the concluding declaration, "The LORD of hosts is his name," serves as a powerful **Apostrophe** and **Affirmation**, directly stating God's sovereign identity as the ultimate guarantor of the preceding statements, acting as a divine signature on the reliability of His creation and, by extension, His promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:35 serves as a profound theological anchor, asserting that God's covenant faithfulness is as immutable as the laws governing the universe. This verse establishes a direct correlation between God's consistent governance of the cosmos and His steadfast commitment to His people, particularly in the context of the New Covenant. If the sun, moon, and stars continue in their appointed courses, and if God can subdue the raging sea, then His promises of restoration and an everlasting covenant are absolutely certain. This truth provides immense comfort and a solid foundation for faith, assuring believers that God's character is unchanging and His word is utterly reliable, regardless of the chaotic circumstances or human failures that may arise.

* [Genesis 8:22](/genesis/8-22 "Genesis 8:22 - God's Covenant with Noah")
* [Psalm 89:34-37](/psalms/89-34 "Psalm 89:34-37 - God's Enduring Covenant")
* [Isaiah 54:10](/isaiah/54-10 "Isaiah 54:10 - God's Unfailing Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:35 offers a powerful antidote to doubt and despair, inviting us to ground our hope in the unchangeable character of God. In a world often characterized by instability, broken promises, and overwhelming challenges, this verse reminds us that there is an ultimate, sovereign authority who orchestrates the vast cosmos with meticulous precision and calms the most turbulent forces. Just as we can depend on the sun to rise each morning and the moon to govern the tides, we can unequivocally trust God to fulfill every promise He has made, particularly His promises of salvation, restoration, and eternal life through Christ. This truth should inspire not only unwavering faith but also deep worship, as we acknowledge the immense power and steadfast love of the "LORD of hosts." It calls us to surrender our anxieties, knowing that the same God who orders the universe is intimately involved in the details of our lives, bringing order out of our chaos and light into our darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does reflecting on God's control over the sun, moon, and stars impact your trust in His promises for your personal life?**
* **In what "roaring waves" or chaotic circumstances are you currently experiencing, and how does the truth of God's power to "divide the sea" offer you comfort or courage?**
* **What does the title "The LORD of hosts" reveal about God's character, and how should this understanding shape your worship and obedience?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God being called "The LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "The LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is profoundly significant. _Yahweh_ is God's covenant name, emphasizing His self-existence and faithfulness. _Sabaoth_ means "armies" or "hosts," referring to both celestial armies (angels) and earthly forces. Therefore, "The LORD of hosts" signifies God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible power as the supreme commander of all spiritual and physical forces. In Jeremiah 31:35, it underscores that the God who establishes cosmic order and controls the raging sea is the same omnipotent God who guarantees His covenant promises. This title provides immense assurance of His ability to fulfill what He has declared, as seen in other prophetic books like [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of Hosts").

**How does this verse connect God's creation power to His covenant faithfulness?**

Answer: Jeremiah 31:35 explicitly links God's consistent power in creation to the reliability of His covenant faithfulness. By pointing to the unchangeable "ordinances" of the sun, moon, and stars, and His power to "divide the sea," God uses the stability and predictability of the natural world as a tangible metaphor for the immutability of His word and promises. The argument is: if God is faithful and powerful enough to maintain the cosmic order day after day, year after year, then His promises to His people, particularly the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") mentioned earlier in the chapter, are equally certain and unbreakable. This connection provides a powerful foundation for trust, demonstrating that God's character is consistent across all His actions, from creation to redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:35 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "LORD of hosts" and the guarantor of the New Covenant. The God who "giveth the sun for a light by day" and establishes the "ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night" is the same God whose eternal Word became flesh in Jesus. Christ is the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). He is the one who demonstrated power over chaos by rebuking the wind and the waves, causing a great calm ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), thereby fulfilling the imagery of God "dividing the sea when the waves thereof roar." Furthermore, the "ordinances" of God's faithfulness, so vividly displayed in the cosmic order, find their supreme expression in Christ, who is the "same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")). He is the mediator and surety of the [New Covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant"), whose blood ratifies its promises, ensuring that God's commitment to His people is not merely as reliable as the cosmos, but eternally secured by His perfect sacrifice and resurrection. Thus, in Christ, the unchanging Creator and Controller of the universe becomes the faithful Redeemer, making God's promises of light, order, and victory over chaos a present reality for all who believe.

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

Isaiah 51:15

But I [am] the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

Jeremiah 10:16

The portion of Jacob [is] not like them: for he [is] the former of all [things]; and Israel [is] the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

Psalms 136:7

To him that made great lights: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

Psalms 136:9

The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Jeremiah 50:34

Their Redeemer [is] strong; the LORD of hosts [is] his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

Genesis 1:14

¶ And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

Genesis 1:18

And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that [it was] good.