Jeremiah 31:36

KJV

If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, [then] the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

If those ordinances {H2706} depart {H4185} from before {H6440} me, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, then the seed {H2233} of Israel {H3478} also shall cease {H7673} from being a nation {H1471} before {H6440} me for ever {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"If these laws leave my presence," says ADONAI, "then the offspring of Isra'el will stop being a nation in my presence forever."

Berean Standard Bible

“Only if this fixed order departed from My presence, declares the LORD, would Israel’s descendants ever cease to be a nation before Me.”

American Standard Version

If these ordinances depart from before me, saith Jehovah, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:36 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, asserting that the nation's perpetual existence is as immutable and certain as the fixed laws governing the cosmos. This verse provides an absolute guarantee that just as the established order of the sun, moon, and stars will never cease, so too will the lineage of Israel never cease from being a distinct nation before the Lord, offering immense hope and assurance amidst the despair of exile and the questioning of divine promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:36 is situated within the "Book of Consolation" [Jeremiah 30-33](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30-33 - The Book of Consolation"), a pivotal section of Jeremiah's prophecy that shifts dramatically from pronouncements of judgment to messages of future restoration and hope for both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This verse immediately follows the monumental declaration of the [New Covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), which promises a radical, internal transformation of God's people and an enduring relationship. Verse 35 further establishes the cosmic backdrop, explicitly referencing "the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night," thereby linking God's steadfastness in creation to His covenant faithfulness with His people. Verse 36 then serves as a powerful, climactic affirmation of the permanence of Israel's national identity, grounded in the same divine decree that sustains the universe, reinforcing the unshakeable nature of God's promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Jeremiah were delivered during a tumultuous period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE). The people of Judah had witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and the deportation of their elite to Babylon. This experience was catastrophic, leading to profound despair, questioning of God's covenant promises, and fears of national annihilation. In such a context, the very idea of Israel continuing as a nation seemed impossible. Culturally, nationhood was inextricably linked to land, temple, and kingship—all of which were lost. The concept of "ordinances" (Hebrew: _chuqqot_) would have resonated with the ancient understanding of divine decrees that ordered both nature and society, emphasizing the absolute reliability of God's word, which was seen as more stable than any human institution or circumstance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several core themes pervasive throughout Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, highlighting His immutability and the steadfastness of His character. The comparison to the reliable "ordinances" of creation underscores that God's commitment to His covenant people is as fixed and dependable as the natural order He established, a theme also echoed in [Psalm 119:89-90](/psalms/119-89-90 "Psalm 119:89-90 - God's Word Endures Forever"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **The Enduring Nation of Israel**, assuring their perpetual existence as a distinct people before God. This is a direct affirmation of God's unconditional covenant promises made to Abraham [Genesis 17:7](/genesis/17-7 "Genesis 17:7 - God's Everlasting Covenant with Abraham") and David [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant"), promising an eternal lineage and kingdom. Finally, it provides profound **Divine Assurance and Hope** for a people facing existential threats, grounding their future not in their own merit or strength, but in the unchanging nature and powerful decrees of God Himself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ordinances (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** (H2706) This term signifies an enactment, an appointment, or a fixed decree. In this context, it refers to the established, unchangeable laws that govern the natural world, such as the movements of celestial bodies mentioned in [Jeremiah 31:35](/jeremiah/31-35 "Jeremiah 31:35 - God's Steadfastness in Creation"). Its use here emphasizes the divine order, reliability, and absolute immutability of God's decrees, both in creation and in covenant, highlighting His sovereign control over all things.
* **depart (Hebrew, _mûwsh'_):** (H4185) A primitive root meaning "to withdraw," "to cease from exertion," or "to remove." It conveys the idea of something being taken away, coming to an end, or receding from its established place. By stating that Israel will cease only if these cosmic ordinances "depart," the prophet asserts the utter impossibility of Israel's cessation, as the departure of the divinely established cosmic laws is inconceivable and contrary to God's nature.
* **nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** (H1471) This word refers to a foreign nation or, more broadly, a people group. In the context of Israel, it denotes their distinct identity and corporate existence as a unique people before God. The promise that the "seed of Israel" will not cease from being a "nation" underscores the preservation of their collective identity and continuity as a recognizable entity in God's sight, despite dispersion, oppression, or apparent dissolution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD":** This opening clause sets up a hypothetical, impossible condition. The "ordinances" (referring to the fixed laws of nature, particularly those governing the cosmos mentioned in the preceding verse) are presented as utterly stable and permanent because they are established by God Himself and exist "from before me"—under His direct oversight, authority, and control. The phrase "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh_) functions as a divine oracle, lending absolute authority, certainty, and solemnity to the declaration that follows, emphasizing that this is an immutable decree from the sovereign Creator.
* **"[then] the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever":** This is the consequence clause, directly linked to the impossible condition. "The seed of Israel" refers to the descendants, the posterity, emphasizing their lineage and continuity as a people. The promise is that they will not "cease from being a nation," meaning their distinct national identity and corporate existence before God will endure perpetually. The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew: _yôwm_, literally "day," but here idiomatically "for all days" or "perpetually") signifies an everlasting duration, an unending continuity, reinforcing the absolute and unconditional nature of God's promise to preserve His people and their unique status before Him.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:36 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine assurance and the immutability of God's promises. It primarily functions as a **Conditional Statement**, but one where the condition ("If those ordinances depart...") is demonstrably impossible, thereby making the consequence (Israel ceasing to be a nation) equally impossible. This rhetorical technique is a powerful form of **Hyperbole** or, more precisely, an **Adynaton** (a figure of speech in which hyperbole is used to state that something is impossible), emphasizing the absolute certainty of God's promise by linking it to an event that defies the very fabric of creation. The phrase "saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Oath** or **Assertion**, stamping the entire declaration with the unassailable authority and reliability of God Himself. The verse also implicitly uses **Analogy**, drawing a profound parallel between the steadfastness and reliability of the natural order—governed by God's unchanging decrees—and the steadfastness of God's covenant with Israel, reinforcing the idea that the Creator who upholds the cosmos is equally capable and committed to upholding His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:36 is a cornerstone of biblical theology, powerfully affirming God's immutable faithfulness and the enduring nature of His covenant promises. It underscores that God's character is unchanging, and His word is utterly reliable, providing an eternal anchor for His people's hope. This verse connects deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's election of Israel and His commitment to them, demonstrating that His purposes for His chosen people are as fixed and certain as the laws by which He governs the universe. It highlights the unconditional aspect of God's covenant, where His faithfulness is not dependent on human performance but on His own steadfast nature, ensuring that His redemptive plan will ultimately prevail through His chosen instruments, guaranteeing the preservation of Israel as a distinct entity in His sight.

* [Genesis 17:7](/genesis/17-7 "God's Everlasting Covenant with Abraham")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3-4 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "God's Irrevocable Gifts and Calling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:36 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for faith in every generation. In a world characterized by change, uncertainty, and often broken promises, this verse reminds us that God's commitments are as unshakeable as the sunrise and sunset. It calls us to place our trust not in fleeting circumstances or human strength, but in the unchanging character of the Almighty God who upholds the cosmos by His word and who is utterly faithful to His covenant people. This truth should inspire a deep sense of security and peace, knowing that if God's promises to Israel are so steadfast, His promises to us, His adopted children through Christ, are equally sure. It encourages perseverance in faith, even when circumstances seem to contradict God's word, because His ultimate plan and promises will never fail, guaranteeing our eternal hope and security in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unchangeable nature of God's creation, as referenced in this verse, strengthen your confidence in His promises to you personally?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to trust God's faithfulness, and how might meditating on Jeremiah 31:36 help to anchor your hope?**
* **How does understanding God's unwavering commitment to Israel impact your view of His broader redemptive plan for humanity and the church?**

### FAQ
**What are the "ordinances" mentioned in Jeremiah 31:36?**

Answer: The "ordinances" (Hebrew: _chuqqot_) refer to the fixed, established laws and decrees that God has put in place to govern the natural world. As clarified in the preceding verse, [Jeremiah 31:35](/jeremiah/31-35 "Jeremiah 31:35 - God's Steadfastness in Creation"), these include the "ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night," as well as the sun for light by day and the boundaries of the sea. They represent the dependable, unchanging order of creation, which God Himself upholds. The verse uses the absolute reliability of these cosmic laws as a metaphor for the absolute reliability of God's covenant promise to Israel.

**Does this verse mean that the physical nation of Israel will exist forever?**

Answer: Yes, the verse explicitly states that "the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever" only if the cosmic ordinances cease. This is a powerful affirmation of the perpetual existence of Israel as a distinct national entity in God's sight. Theologically, this promise has been understood in various ways, but it fundamentally assures the continuity of the Jewish people throughout history, despite immense persecution and dispersion. While the New Testament reveals that the "true Israel" includes all who believe in Christ, both Jew and Gentile [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not All Israel is True Israel"), this verse in Jeremiah specifically addresses the physical lineage and national identity, affirming God's enduring purpose for them. It highlights God's faithfulness to His original promises, which are irrevocable [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "God's Irrevocable Gifts and Calling"), ensuring their continued role in God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:36, with its profound assurance of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness to Israel, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "New Covenant" declared just verses earlier [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") is precisely the covenant established and mediated by Christ through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant"). In Him, the "seed of Israel" takes on its fullest and most expansive meaning, as Christ Himself is the ultimate "seed" to whom the promises were made [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed, Christ"). Through union with Christ, both believing Jews and Gentiles become part of the spiritual "Israel of God" [Galatians 6:16](/galatians/6-16 "Galatians 6:16 - The Israel of God"), inheriting the promises of an eternal relationship with God. The permanence of God's "ordinances" in creation serves as a powerful analogy for the absolute certainty of God's promises in Christ; just as the sun rises daily, so too are "all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen" [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ"). Christ's kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His reign will never cease [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom"), embodying the ultimate and eternal fulfillment of God's covenant faithfulness to His people, ensuring their perpetual existence in Him.

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 89:36

His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.

Psalms 89:37

It shall be established for ever as the moon, and [as] a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

Jeremiah 33:20

Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season;

Jeremiah 33:26

Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, [so] that I will not take [any] of his seed [to be] rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them.

Isaiah 54:9

For this [is as] the waters of Noah unto me: for [as] I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

Isaiah 54:10

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

Psalms 148:6

He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.