Jeremiah 50:19

KJV

And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will bring {H7725} Israel {H3478} again {H7725} to his habitation {H5116}, and he shall feed {H7462} on Carmel {H3760} and Bashan {H1316}, and his soul {H5315} shall be satisfied {H7646} upon mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669} and Gilead {H1568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will bring Isra'el back to his pasture, to graze on the Karmel and the Bashan, on the hills of Efrayim and in Gil'ad until he has his fill.

Berean Standard Bible

I will return Israel to his pasture, and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan; his soul will be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and Gilead.

American Standard Version

And I will bring Israel again to his pasture, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon the hills of Ephraim and in Gilead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:19 is a profound prophetic declaration of God's unwavering commitment to restore Israel from Babylonian exile. It promises not merely a physical return to their homeland but a comprehensive renewal, characterized by abundant provision, spiritual satisfaction, and a deep sense of belonging within their ancestral territories. This verse, embedded within a larger oracle against Babylon, highlights God's sovereign power to reverse the fortunes of His people and fulfill His covenant promises, bringing them into a state of holistic well-being and contentment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 50:19 is situated within a lengthy prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51. These chapters vividly describe Babylon's impending destruction as divine judgment for its arrogance and its role in oppressing God's people. Interspersed within these pronouncements of doom for Babylon are tender promises of restoration and redemption for Israel and Judah. This particular verse serves as a beacon of hope, contrasting sharply with the surrounding declarations of desolation. It assures the exiles that despite their current suffering, God has a plan to bring them back to their land, emphasizing His covenant faithfulness even amidst chastisement. The immediate verses preceding this one in [Jeremiah 50](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Prophecy Against Babylon") speak of Israel's and Judah's return and their seeking the Lord, setting the stage for the promised return to their habitation and the subsequent blessings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah was delivered during a period of immense national crisis for Judah, culminating in the Babylonian exile (586 BCE). The people of Judah had been forcibly removed from their land and were living under foreign domination. The promise to "bring Israel again to his habitation" directly addresses the trauma of displacement and the longing for home. Carmel, Bashan, Ephraim, and Gilead were historically renowned regions within the promised land, celebrated for their fertility and rich pastures. Carmel, a mountain range in the west, was known for its lush vegetation. Bashan and Gilead, located east of the Jordan River, were famous for their rich grazing lands and strong cattle. Mount Ephraim represented the central highlands of the northern kingdom of Israel. By naming these specific, productive regions, the prophecy evokes a cultural understanding of prosperity, security, and a return to a vibrant, flourishing life, far removed from the barrenness and oppression of exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Jeremiah and the Old Testament. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Restoration** is paramount, as God Himself declares, "I will bring Israel again." This emphasizes that their return is not by human effort but by God's direct intervention, fulfilling His [covenant promises](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Covenant Faithfulness"). Secondly, **Abundance and Provision** are highlighted through the imagery of feeding on the fertile lands of Carmel and Bashan, signifying material prosperity and freedom from want. This contrasts sharply with the scarcity and servitude of exile. Thirdly, **Holistic Satisfaction** is promised, as "his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead." This goes beyond physical sustenance to encompass deep spiritual and emotional contentment, indicating a comprehensive well-being that touches every aspect of life. This echoes themes of ultimate satisfaction found in God alone, as seen in passages like [Psalm 23](/psalm/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bring again (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root signifies "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." In this context, it denotes God's active, sovereign initiative to reverse Israel's fortunes, bringing them back from their place of exile to their homeland. It implies a complete reversal of their circumstances, a divine act of restoration rather than a mere passive return.
* **feed (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** This root means "to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule." Here, it vividly portrays the restored Israel as a flock being pastured by God, symbolizing abundant provision, security, and the flourishing life found in fertile lands. It suggests a state of peace and sustenance under divine care, akin to a shepherd tending his sheep.
* **satisfied (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively); have enough, be full." The use of this word with "soul" (nephesh) indicates a profound, comprehensive fulfillment that extends beyond mere physical hunger. It speaks to a deep contentment, a complete satiation of desires and needs, encompassing spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. This is a state of profound peace and rest found in their restored land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will bring Israel again to his habitation":** This opening clause establishes God as the primary agent of restoration. The "habitation" (nâveh) refers to their dwelling place, their home, specifically the land of Israel. It emphasizes that the return from exile is not a human achievement but a divine act, underscoring God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite Israel's disobedience.
* **"and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan":** This clause paints a picture of agricultural prosperity and abundant provision. Carmel and Bashan were renowned for their fertility and rich pastures. "Feed" implies not just sustenance but thriving. This signifies a future where Israel enjoys material blessings, security, and freedom from want, contrasting sharply with the deprivations of exile.
* **"and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead":** This final clause extends the promise beyond physical provision to deep, holistic contentment. "Soul" (nephesh) encompasses the entire being—mind, will, and emotions. Mount Ephraim (representing the central part of the former northern kingdom) and Gilead (a fertile region east of the Jordan) symbolize the comprehensive restoration of all Israel, both north and south. The "satisfaction" is profound and complete, indicating a state of peace, joy, and fulfillment that only God can provide in their restored homeland.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:19 employs powerful **Imagery** and **Symbolism** to convey its message of hope and restoration. The depiction of Israel "feeding on Carmel and Bashan" evokes vivid pastoral scenes of lush, fertile lands, symbolizing abundant provision and prosperity. These specific geographical locations (Carmel, Bashan, Mount Ephraim, Gilead) serve as **Metonyms** for the entire promised land, signifying a comprehensive return and restoration for all twelve tribes, encompassing both former northern and southern territories. The phrase "his soul shall be satisfied" uses **Synecdoche**, where "soul" represents the entire person, emphasizing a deep, inner contentment that goes beyond physical needs. The overall tone is one of **Prophetic Promise**, offering a stark contrast to the preceding and surrounding pronouncements of judgment against Babylon, thereby highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:19 stands as a powerful testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His sovereign power to restore. It reveals a God who, even in the midst of judgment and exile, holds fast to His promises for His people, demonstrating His character as a provider and restorer. The prophecy of a return to a land of abundance and deep satisfaction points to a holistic understanding of salvation that encompasses physical well-being, material prosperity, and profound spiritual contentment. This divine initiative to bring Israel back and satisfy their souls foreshadows the ultimate restoration and spiritual nourishment found in God's presence, where true and lasting satisfaction is found.

* [Psalm 23:1-2](/psalm/23-1 "Psalm 23:1-2 - The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want")
* [Isaiah 49:10](/isaiah/49-10 "Isaiah 49:10 - They shall not hunger or thirst")
* [Ezekiel 34:14](/ezekiel/34-14 "Ezekiel 34:14 - I will feed them with good pasture")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:19 offers a profound message of hope and assurance for believers today. In a world often marked by displacement, scarcity, and dissatisfaction, this verse reminds us that God is the ultimate restorer and provider. Just as He promised to bring Israel back to a land of abundance and deep contentment, He also promises to satisfy the longing of our souls and lead us into places of peace and spiritual flourishing. This passage encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, especially when we feel exiled from His presence or are experiencing spiritual barrenness. It calls us to look beyond immediate circumstances and embrace the truth that God’s plan for us is one of restoration, provision, and ultimate satisfaction in Him. Our deepest longings are met not by worldly pursuits, but by resting in His sovereign care and embracing the spiritual "pastures" He provides.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel a sense of "exile" or dissatisfaction, and how might this verse encourage you to trust in God's restorative power?**
* **How does the promise of "soul satisfaction" challenge your understanding of true contentment in a consumer-driven culture?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "feed" on the spiritual provisions God offers, allowing Him to satisfy your soul?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the specific geographical locations mentioned in Jeremiah 50:19?**

Answer: The mention of Carmel, Bashan, Mount Ephraim, and Gilead is highly significant. These were historically renowned regions within the promised land, celebrated for their fertility, rich pastures, and strategic importance. Carmel was known for its lush vegetation and beauty in the west. Bashan and Gilead, east of the Jordan, were famous for their rich grazing lands and strong cattle, symbolizing material abundance. Mount Ephraim represented the central highlands of the northern kingdom of Israel. By naming these specific, productive regions, the prophecy emphasizes a comprehensive and holistic restoration for all of Israel—both the former northern and southern kingdoms—to a state of flourishing, security, and abundant provision, far removed from the desolation of exile. It paints a picture of the entire land being restored to its former glory and productivity, providing for God's people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:19, with its promise of Israel's return to a land of abundance and soul satisfaction, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the immediate prophecy concerned a physical return from Babylonian exile, the spiritual realities it foreshadows are fully realized in the New Covenant. Jesus is the true "habitation" for His people, the one who gathers His scattered sheep and brings them into His fold ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Other sheep I have")). He is the Good Shepherd who leads His flock to green pastures and still waters, providing spiritual nourishment and rest for their souls ([Psalm 23:2](/psalm/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - He makes me lie down in green pastures")). The "feeding on Carmel and Bashan" is spiritually fulfilled in Christ, who declares Himself the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering eternal sustenance that truly satisfies. The promise that "his soul shall be satisfied" points directly to the deep, abiding contentment and peace found only in a relationship with Christ, who offers living water so that those who drink will "never be thirsty again" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). Through His atoning work, believers are brought into a spiritual "promised land" where their deepest longings are met, and they experience the fullness of God's provision and presence, far surpassing any earthly abundance.

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

Ezekiel 34:13

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

Ezekiel 34:14

I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and [in] a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

Micah 7:14

¶ Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily [in] the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed [in] Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

Jeremiah 31:6

For there shall be a day, [that] the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God.

Amos 9:14

And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

Amos 9:15

And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.

Isaiah 35:2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.