Jeremiah 31:7

KJV

For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Sing {H7442} with gladness {H8057} for Jacob {H3290}, and shout {H6670} among the chief {H7218} of the nations {H1471}: publish {H8085} ye, praise {H1984} ye, and say {H559}, O LORD {H3068}, save {H3467} thy people {H5971}, the remnant {H7611} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For here is what ADONAI says: "Sing with joy for Ya'akov! shout for the chief of the nations! Proclaim your praise, and say: 'ADONAI! You have saved your people, the remnant of Isra'el!'

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations! Make your praises heard, and say, ‘O LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!’

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah, Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout for the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O Jehovah, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:7 presents a vibrant divine command, delivered through the prophet, instructing the people of God to engage in exuberant celebration and public proclamation of the LORD's saving work. It stands as a pivotal declaration within the "Book of Consolation," anticipating the joyful return of the exiled Israelites, the comprehensive restoration of their nation, and the steadfast faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the preserved remnant of Israel. This verse serves as a powerful call to worship and witness, transforming despair into hopeful anticipation of God's redemptive activity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:7 is strategically positioned within the "Book of Consolation" [Jeremiah 30-33](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30-33 - The Book of Consolation"), a distinctive and profoundly hopeful section that contrasts sharply with the preceding chapters dominated by pronouncements of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem. Following extensive indictments for Israel's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, these chapters mark a dramatic pivot to divine promises of future restoration, renewal, and the establishment of a new covenant. This verse, therefore, functions as a prophetic imperative, calling the people to anticipate and celebrate God's redemptive actions even amidst their present suffering and exile. It directly precedes the foundational prophecy of the New Covenant in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), setting the stage for a renewed and deeper relationship between God and His people. The commands to "sing," "shout," "publish," and "praise" are direct responses to the promised return from Babylonian captivity, emphasizing the profound joy that will accompany this divinely orchestrated homecoming and the rebuilding of a desolate land, as also envisioned in [Jeremiah 30:3](/jeremiah/30-3 "Jeremiah 30:3 - The LORD Will Restore Israel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah 31:7 is the tumultuous period surrounding the Babylonian exile, specifically leading up to, during, and after the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BCE. Judah had suffered devastating defeats, and a significant portion of its population was forcibly deported to Babylon. This era was characterized by immense national trauma, spiritual despair, and a profound questioning of God's covenant faithfulness among the survivors. In this context of deep suffering and apparent divine abandonment, Jeremiah's prophecy of restoration would have been revolutionary and deeply counter-cultural to the prevailing mood of hopelessness. The mention of "Jacob" and "Israel" refers to the entire covenant people, encompassing both the northern kingdom (Israel/Ephraim, long since exiled by Assyria) and the southern kingdom (Judah, currently in Babylonian exile). The command to "shout among the chief of the nations" implies a future where Israel, once humbled and scattered, would be re-established and recognized among the leading powers, or, more broadly, that God's saving work on their behalf would be a public spectacle for the world to witness, bringing glory to His name and demonstrating His unique power among all gods.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes central to Jeremiah's prophetic message and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Restoration and Unwavering Hope**, underscoring God's steadfast commitment to His covenant people, Israel, even after severe judgment and prolonged exile. It declares that God's ultimate plan for His people is one of blessing and renewal, transcending their immediate suffering and demonstrating His faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness, a theme powerfully echoed in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The LORD's Great Love and Compassions"). Secondly, the repeated imperatives to "Sing with gladness," "shout," "publish ye," and "praise ye" emphasize **Joyful Proclamation and Worship**. This is not a quiet, internal hope, but an exuberant, public, and even global declaration of God's saving power, intended to be heard "among the chief of the nations." This public witness underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive work, even when focused on Israel. Thirdly, the phrase "the remnant of Israel" is a crucial theological concept, signifying God's **Faithful Preservation**. Despite widespread apostasy and judgment, God pledges to preserve a faithful portion of His chosen people, ensuring the continuation of His covenant promises and the lineage through which the Messiah would come. This concept is foundational to understanding God's sovereignty and grace throughout salvation history, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Will Return"). Finally, the instruction to "say, O LORD, save thy people" reveals the theme of **Prayer and Human Participation in Divine Purpose**. While God's salvation is sovereignly decreed, human prayer and petition are presented as an integral part of His unfolding plan, aligning human desire with divine will and demonstrating a responsive relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred, personal, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One," emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty, unchanging nature, and faithfulness to His promises. The use of YHWH here underscores that the command and the promised salvation originate from the ultimate divine authority, distinguishing Him from the impotent deities of the nations and affirming the reliability of the prophecy.
* **praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, this primitive root means "to be clear (originally of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate." In this context, it demands a vibrant, public, and enthusiastic celebration of God's saving acts. It is the root from which "hallelujah" (Praise the LORD!) derives, conveying a sense of jubilant, unreserved adoration and acclamation that is meant to be heard and seen.
* **remnant (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêrîyth'_):** From H7611, meaning "a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion." This term is highly significant in prophetic literature, referring to those who survive a catastrophe or judgment. It carries the profound theological implication of God's preserving hand, ensuring that a portion of His people remains for the fulfillment of His future purposes, even when the majority have fallen away or faced severe divine discipline. It speaks to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine authority of the entire command ("thus saith the LORD") and shifts the tone to one of exultant joy and public declaration. "Sing with gladness" (rânan b'simchah) and "shout" (tsâhal) are strong imperatives, demanding an overflowing, public, and audible expression of joy. "For Jacob" refers to the entire nation of Israel, emphasizing that this joy is for God's covenant people, encompassing both northern and southern kingdoms. The phrase "among the chief of the nations" suggests that this celebration and the reason for it (God's salvation) will be so profound that it will be witnessed and acknowledged by other prominent nations, signifying Israel's future prominence or, more broadly, the global witness to God's redemptive power.
* **"publish ye, praise ye, and say":** These three additional imperatives further intensify the call for widespread public declaration and worship. "Publish ye" (shâma', to hear intelligently, often with implication of attention, obedience; causatively, to tell) implies making widely known what God has done, disseminating the good news. "Praise ye" (hâlal) reinforces the command for jubilant celebration and adoration, a loud, clear acclamation of God's worthiness. "And say" (ʼâmar) introduces the specific content of their proclamation and prayer, transitioning from general rejoicing to a focused petition and testimony.
* **"O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel."**: This final clause reveals the core message to be proclaimed and prayed. It is a direct, earnest appeal to the LORD (YHWH) for salvation (yâshaʻ). The phrase "thy people" reaffirms God's enduring covenant relationship with Israel, despite their past failures and current suffering. The crucial specification "the remnant of Israel" highlights God's faithfulness to preserve a portion of His chosen people through judgment and exile, ensuring the continuation of His redemptive plan and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is both a prayer for their present and future deliverance and a confident declaration of God's ultimate intention to save.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of hope and restoration. The most prominent is the pervasive use of **Imperative Verbs**, with a rapid succession of commands: "Sing," "shout," "publish," "praise," and "say." This accumulation of imperatives creates a sense of urgency, excitement, and divine insistence, compelling the audience to immediate and enthusiastic action. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the repeated calls to vocalize joy and proclamation ("Sing with gladness... shout," "publish ye, praise ye, and say"), which amplifies the message and emphasizes the public, outward nature of the anticipated celebration. The phrase "among the chief of the nations" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, not necessarily implying Israel's political dominance but rather the immense and undeniable nature of God's saving work that will be recognized globally. Finally, **Symbolism** is present in the use of "Jacob" and "Israel" to represent the entire covenant people, and "remnant" as a powerful symbol of God's preserving grace and faithfulness despite widespread apostasy and judgment, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:7 is a profound theological statement, anchoring the hope of Israel in the unwavering character of God. It reveals that divine salvation is not merely an escape from physical bondage but a comprehensive restoration of relationship, identity, and purpose, rooted deeply in God's covenant faithfulness. The command to "sing with gladness" and "shout among the chief of the nations" transforms a people in despair into a prophetic choir, testifying to God's redemptive power before the world. This public worship and proclamation are not merely human responses but divinely commanded acts that align with God's global redemptive purposes, demonstrating His glory to all peoples. The focus on "the remnant of Israel" highlights God's selective grace and preservation, ensuring that His promises will ultimately find their fulfillment through a faithful few, even when the majority have strayed. This verse beautifully intertwines divine sovereignty (God's promise to save) with human responsibility (the command to proclaim and pray), demonstrating a dynamic relationship where human praise and petition participate in God's unfolding, redemptive plan.

* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5-6 "God Gathers His People from Afar")
* [Zephaniah 3:14-17](/zephaniah/3-14-17 "Joyful Restoration and God's Presence")
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "The Remnant According to Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:7 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers today, transcending its original historical context to speak to the enduring nature of God's promises and our appropriate response to them. In a world often marked by despair, uncertainty, and personal struggles, this verse calls us to embrace a posture of proactive hope and joyful proclamation. Just as God promised to restore Israel from exile, He promises spiritual restoration, renewal, and ultimate victory for His people, the Church, through Christ. We are reminded that even when circumstances seem bleak, God's faithfulness endures, and His redemptive plan is always in motion. This should compel us not to passive waiting, but to active, public worship and witness. Our lives, our words, and our prayers should reflect the confident assurance that God is working all things for good for those who love Him, and that His salvation is not just a future hope but a present reality to be celebrated. We are called to be a people who "publish" and "praise" His goodness, not just in private devotion but "among the chief of the nations"—in our families, workplaces, communities, and indeed, throughout the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel and the glory of our saving God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "exiles" or areas of despair in your life or community that God is calling you to "sing with gladness" over, trusting in His promise of restoration?**
* **How can you more intentionally "publish" and "praise" God's saving work in your daily life and "among the nations" (your sphere of influence), making His deeds known?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "the remnant" encourage you about God's faithfulness to preserve His people and His truth, even in challenging or seemingly overwhelming times?**
* **How does the instruction to "say, O LORD, save thy people" shape your approach to prayer, especially concerning the needs of God's Church and the world for salvation and restoration?**

### FAQ
**Why is there a command to 'sing' and 'shout' in a book often associated with lament and judgment?**

Answer: Jeremiah, while known as the "weeping prophet" and for his extensive pronouncements of judgment, also contains significant portions of hope and restoration, particularly in the "Book of Consolation" [Jeremiah 30-33](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30-33 - The Book of Consolation"). Jeremiah 31:7 marks a pivotal shift in tone, reflecting God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite Israel's disobedience. The command to "sing with gladness" and "shout" is a prophetic imperative, calling the people to anticipate and celebrate God's future acts of salvation and restoration, even while they are still in exile or facing its consequences. It's an expression of divine assurance that joy will replace sorrow, and lament will turn into praise, as seen in [Jeremiah 31:13](/jeremiah/31-13 "Jeremiah 31:13 - Joy and Comfort for Israel"), where God promises to turn their mourning into gladness. This command is a foretaste of the profound joy that accompanies divine redemption.

**Who is 'the remnant of Israel' mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The remnant of Israel" refers to the portion of God's covenant people who would survive the divine judgment of exile and be preserved by God's grace for His future redemptive purposes. Throughout biblical prophecy, the concept of a remnant is crucial, signifying that while many might fall away or suffer consequences for sin, God always maintains a faithful core through whom His promises will be fulfilled. In the immediate context of Jeremiah, it refers to those who would return from Babylonian captivity and re-establish the nation. Theologically, it highlights God's faithfulness and sovereignty in preserving a line through which the Messiah would come and through whom His covenant would ultimately be renewed. This concept extends into the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul speaks of a "remnant chosen by grace" among the Jewish people who believe in Christ [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant According to Grace").

**How does this prophecy relate to modern-day Israel?**

Answer: Interpreting Old Testament prophecies like Jeremiah 31:7 concerning Israel's restoration involves various theological perspectives. Some dispensationalists believe these prophecies primarily refer to a future literal restoration of the nation of Israel to their land and a renewed covenant relationship with God. Others, often from a covenant theology perspective, view these prophecies as having a dual fulfillment: an initial, partial fulfillment in the return from Babylonian exile, and a more complete, spiritual fulfillment in the Church, which is seen as the "spiritual Israel" or the true people of God, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Christ [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise"). Regardless of the specific eschatological view, the core message of God's faithfulness to His promises, His power to save, and the call to joyful proclamation remains profoundly relevant for all believers. The ultimate "saving" of God's people is found in Christ, who gathers His elect from every nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:7, with its vibrant call to celebrate God's salvation for "the remnant of Israel," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "salvation" (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ_) that the people are commanded to proclaim and pray for is fully realized in the Messiah. Jesus is the ultimate "Savior" (derived from _yâshaʻ_), whose very name, "Jesus" (Yeshua), means "the LORD saves" [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Jesus Will Save His People"). He came not merely to gather a physical remnant from a geographical exile, but to gather a spiritual remnant from all nations—those who believe in Him—into His new covenant. The "new covenant" promised just verses later in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant") is inaugurated through Christ's blood [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "The New Covenant in My Blood"), establishing a relationship with God based on grace and forgiveness, written on hearts, not stone tablets. The "remnant of Israel" is now expanded to include all who are "in Christ," whether Jew or Gentile, becoming the true "seed of Abraham" and heirs according to the promise [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs According to the Promise"). The command to "sing with gladness" and "shout among the chief of the nations" is fulfilled in the global mission of the Church, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ's salvation to every tribe, tongue, and nation [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission"); [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth"), celebrating the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, the ancient call to praise God for saving His people culminates in the universal praise of Christ, the Lord and Savior of all.

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 37:31

And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:

Psalms 14:7

Oh that the salvation of Israel [were come] out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.

Psalms 28:9

Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.

Jeremiah 23:3

And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

Isaiah 42:10

Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 42:12

Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.

Deuteronomy 32:43

Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people.