Jeremiah 31:9

They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim [is] my firstborn.

They shall come {H935} with weeping {H1065}, and with supplications {H8469} will I lead {H2986} them: I will cause them to walk {H3212} by the rivers {H5158} of waters {H4325} in a straight {H3477} way {H1870}, wherein they shall not stumble {H3782}: for I am a father {H1} to Israel {H3478}, and Ephraim {H669} is my firstborn {H1060}.

They will come weeping and praying as I bring them back. I will lead them by streams of water on smooth paths, so that they won't stumble. For I am a father to Isra'el, and Efrayim is my firstborn son."

They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”

They shall come with weeping; and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way wherein they shall not stumble; for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first-born.

Jeremiah 31:9 is a profound verse within a chapter overflowing with hope, promising the future restoration and return of the exiled Israelites to their homeland. It paints a vivid picture of God's compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to His people, rooted in His fatherly love.

Context

This verse is part of Jeremiah's "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33), which offers messages of hope and restoration amidst prophecies of judgment and exile. Specifically, Jeremiah 31 focuses on the return of both Judah and Israel (often represented by Ephraim, the dominant tribe of the northern kingdom). This prophecy looks beyond the immediate Babylonian captivity to a comprehensive future restoration, culminating in the promise of a new covenant that would fundamentally transform their relationship with God.

Key Themes

  • Return with Repentance and Dependence: The phrase "They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them" highlights the exiles' humble return. Their "weeping" signifies repentance and sorrow for past sins that led to their captivity, while "supplications" (Hebrew: taḥănunim, earnest pleas for favor) underscore their complete dependence on God's grace for their journey home and future well-being. This journey is not one of triumph, but of humility and reliance on divine guidance.
  • Divine Provision and Secure Path: God's promise, "I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble," speaks of His miraculous provision and protection. The imagery of "rivers of waters" evokes refreshment, sustenance, and abundance in what might otherwise be a desolate journey. A "straight way" implies a clear, unhindered, and safe path, ensuring that His people "shall not stumble," signifying divine guidance and unwavering support against obstacles and temptations. This echoes promises of safe passage found elsewhere, such as Isaiah 43:2.
  • God's Fatherly Love and Covenant Relationship: The foundational reason for this restoration is declared: "for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn." This powerful declaration emphasizes God's deep, personal, and enduring love for His people. Calling Himself a "father" signifies His compassionate care, protective nature, and commitment to His children. "Ephraim," representing the northern kingdom, is specifically designated "my firstborn" (Hebrew: bekhor). This term doesn't imply chronological birth but rather a position of preeminence, special privilege, and inheritance, reinforcing God's unconditional love and choosing of Israel as His own, as seen in Exodus 4:22.

Significance and Application

Jeremiah 31:9 offers enduring hope and insight for believers today. It assures us that even in times of deep sorrow, repentance, and perceived spiritual exile, God's fatherly love remains steadfast. He promises to lead us, provide for us, and guide us on a clear path where we will not stumble, if we turn to Him with genuine weeping and supplication. This verse reminds us that our journey of faith is not dependent on our strength but on God's faithful leading and His unchanging identity as our loving Father.

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.

  • Jeremiah 3:4

    Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou [art] the guide of my youth?

  • Matthew 5:4

    Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

  • Exodus 4:22

    And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn:

  • Jeremiah 31:20

    [Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 50:4

    In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.

  • Isaiah 35:6

    Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

  • Isaiah 35:8

    And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein].

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