Jeremiah 50:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

In those days {H3117}, and in that time {H6256}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} shall come {H935}, they and the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} together {H3162}, going {H1980} and weeping {H1058}: they shall go {H3212}, and seek {H1245} the LORD {H3068} their God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In those days, at that time," says ADONAI, "the people of Isra'el will come, together with the people of Y'hudah. They will weep as they go their way, seeking ADONAI their God.

Berean Standard Bible

“In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the children of Israel and the children of Judah will come together, weeping as they come, and will seek the LORD their God.

American Standard Version

In those days, and in that time, saith Jehovah, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together; they shall go on their way weeping, and shall seek Jehovah their God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:4 is a profound prophetic declaration embedded within a larger oracle against Babylon, yet it pivots to unveil a future of divine restoration for God's exiled people. It foretells a time when both the long-divided Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah will return together from captivity, not merely physically, but with deep repentance and earnest spiritual longing to re-establish their relationship with the Lord their God. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, portraying a journey of sorrowful humility leading to renewed fellowship and unity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 50-51 constitutes a significant prophetic oracle primarily directed against Babylon, the very empire God used as an instrument of judgment against Judah. These chapters detail Babylon's impending destruction, serving as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate vindication of His people. Within this context of judgment on the oppressor, Jeremiah 50:4 stands out as a beacon of hope, shifting the focus from Babylon's demise to the promised restoration of Israel and Judah. It immediately follows pronouncements of Babylon's desolation and precedes further details of their return, emphasizing that even amidst the downfall of empires, God's redemptive plan for His covenant people remains steadfast. The juxtaposition highlights God's justice against the wicked and His mercy towards the penitent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy addresses two distinct groups: "the children of Israel" and "the children of Judah." The Northern Kingdom of Israel had been conquered and its people exiled by Assyria centuries earlier (722 BCE), leading to their widespread dispersion (cf. [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Israel's Exile by Assyria")). The Southern Kingdom of Judah, including Jerusalem, was subsequently conquered and exiled to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in stages (605, 597, 586 BCE). For centuries, these kingdoms had been politically and often spiritually divided. The cultural norm for exiled peoples was assimilation into the dominant culture, often losing their distinct identity. However, Jeremiah's prophecy defies this expectation, promising a miraculous return and, more remarkably, a reunification of these historically estranged entities. This return was not just geographical but signified a re-establishment of their national and religious identity under God.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 50:4 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Central is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Covenant Faithfulness**, as the return is explicitly declared by "saith the LORD," emphasizing God's initiative and unwavering commitment to His promises despite His people's unfaithfulness. The verse also highlights **Judgment and Restoration**, portraying the exile as a consequence of sin but the return as an act of divine grace. The coming together of "Israel" and "Judah" powerfully underscores the theme of **Reunification and Unity**, foreshadowing a healing of ancient divisions and a restoration of the whole people of God, a theme echoed in passages like [Ezekiel 37:15-28](/ezekiel/37-15 "Ezekiel 37:15-28 - The Two Sticks and Reunification"). Furthermore, the description of "going and weeping" signifies **Repentance and Humility**, indicating a profound sorrow over sin, which is a prerequisite for true spiritual restoration. Finally, the ultimate purpose of their return—to "seek the LORD their God"—emphasizes **Earnest Seeking of God**, highlighting that physical return is secondary to spiritual renewal and a renewed, intimate relationship with their Creator, a call often found in Jeremiah, such as in [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **weeping (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep emotional response of sorrow, lamentation, or mourning. In the context of Jeremiah 50:4, it denotes a profound contrition and heartfelt acknowledgment of the sins that led to their exile. It is not merely a superficial sadness but a genuine expression of brokenness and repentance, a necessary precursor to spiritual healing and restoration. The act of weeping here is indicative of a profound turning from past disobedience.
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," this word primarily refers to a son, but extends broadly to encompass descendants, progeny, or members of a group, such as "children of Israel" or "children of Judah." In this verse, it emphasizes the familial and national identity of the returning exiles, highlighting their direct lineage and connection to the covenant people of God. It underscores that it is the legitimate heirs of the Abrahamic covenant who are being restored, reinforcing God's faithfulness to His promises to their forefathers.
* **seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This primitive root means "to search out" or "to strive after," often implying a diligent, earnest, and persistent pursuit. When applied to seeking God, as it is here, it denotes a desire for intimate communion, active obedience, and a re-establishment of a right relationship with Him. It moves beyond a casual inquiry to an intentional and wholehearted pursuit of God's presence, will, and favor, indicating a profound spiritual transformation accompanying their physical return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and certainty of the prophecy. "In those days, and in that time" points to a specific, divinely appointed future period, emphasizing that this is a guaranteed event in God's unfolding plan. The declaration "saith the LORD" (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh'_) underscores that this is an oracle directly from the sovereign God, ensuring its fulfillment and highlighting His active involvement in the history of His people.
* **"the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together":** This clause reveals the remarkable nature of the promised return. "The children of Israel" refers to the descendants of the Northern Kingdom, exiled by Assyria, while "the children of Judah" refers to those from the Southern Kingdom, exiled by Babylon. The phrase "together" signifies a miraculous reunification of these long-divided entities, symbolizing a healing of historical schisms and a restoration of national unity under God's overarching plan. Their coming is a divinely orchestrated movement.
* **"going and weeping":** This vivid imagery describes the manner of their return. "Going" indicates their active movement towards their homeland, while "weeping" conveys a deep emotional state. This weeping is not merely tears of sorrow over past suffering, but more profoundly, it represents genuine contrition and repentance for the sins that led to their exile. It signifies a broken and contrite spirit, a turning away from disobedience and an acknowledgment of their need for God's mercy and forgiveness.
* **"they shall go, and seek the LORD their God":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose and spiritual transformation accompanying their physical return. Their "going" is not just a physical journey but a spiritual pilgrimage. The phrase "seek the LORD their God" indicates an earnest, diligent, and intentional pursuit of a renewed relationship with Yahweh, their covenant God. This seeking implies a desire for reconciliation, obedience, and dependence on Him, signifying a spiritual reorientation and the re-establishment of their covenant bond with the one true God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as the verse declares a future event with divine authority ("saith the LORD"). This prophetic declaration instills hope and assures the audience of God's control over history. **Symbolism** is evident in the "weeping," which symbolizes deep repentance, sorrow for sin, and a broken spirit, rather than mere physical tears. This emotional display is a sign of spiritual transformation. The phrase "children of Israel" and "children of Judah" serves as **Metonymy**, where the names of the kingdoms stand for their respective populations, emphasizing the collective return and reunification of the entire covenant people. Furthermore, the repetition of "go" (implied in "shall come," and explicit in "going" and "shall go") creates a sense of **Anaphora** or **Repetition for Emphasis**, highlighting the determined and purposeful nature of their journey, both physical and spiritual. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Contrast** to the preceding judgments, presenting a vision of hope and restoration amidst pronouncements of destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:4 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His redemptive plan for humanity. It reveals that even in the midst of divine judgment and the consequences of sin, God's ultimate purpose is restoration and reconciliation. The "weeping" signifies the essential role of repentance and humility in turning back to God, acknowledging sin as the root cause of separation. The "seeking" underscores that true restoration is not merely a return to a physical land but a spiritual reorientation, a diligent pursuit of intimacy with the Creator. This passage beautifully illustrates God's desire for a unified people, longing to be in right relationship with Him, and His sovereign power to bring about such a profound transformation and reunification.

* [Ezekiel 37:19](/ezekiel/37-19 "Ezekiel 37:19 - The Reunification of Israel and Judah")
* [Joel 2:12-13](/joel/2-12 "Joel 2:12-13 - Return to the Lord with Weeping and Repentance")
* [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Spirit of Grace and Supplication, Weeping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:4 offers profound lessons for believers today, transcending its historical context to speak to the universal human condition and God's unchanging character. It reminds us that spiritual restoration, whether on a personal or communal level, invariably begins with a posture of humility and repentance. Just as Israel and Judah had to acknowledge their failings and "weep" over their disobedience, we too are called to confess our sins with genuine sorrow, recognizing the brokenness they cause in our relationship with God. This brokenness, however, is not an end but a gateway to renewed fellowship. The subsequent "seeking the LORD their God" emphasizes that true faith is not passive but an active, earnest, and persistent pursuit of God's presence, His will, and His truth. It calls us to make God the ultimate object of our desires and efforts, prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else. Furthermore, the reunification of Israel and Judah serves as a powerful metaphor for the unity God desires within His church, urging us to overcome divisions and strive for harmony in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "going and weeping" mean for my own spiritual journey? Am I willing to genuinely repent and express sorrow for my sins?**
* **In what ways am I actively "seeking the LORD my God" in my daily life? What practical steps can I take to deepen this pursuit?**
* **How does the promise of reunification between Israel and Judah inspire me to pray for and work towards unity within the body of Christ today?**

### FAQ
**Who are "the children of Israel" and "the children of Judah" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The children of Israel" refers to the descendants of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which comprised ten of the twelve tribes. This kingdom had been conquered and its people exiled by the Assyrians in 722 BCE. "The children of Judah" refers to the descendants of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, which included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, along with the Levites. This kingdom, including Jerusalem, was conquered and its people exiled to Babylon in the early 6th century BCE. The mention of them coming "together" in [Jeremiah 50:4](/jeremiah/50-4 "Jeremiah 50:4 - The Return of Israel and Judah") is significant because these two kingdoms had been politically and often religiously divided for centuries since the time of Rehoboam (cf. [1 Kings 12:16-20](/1_kings/12-16 "1 Kings 12:16-20 - The Division of the Kingdom")). The prophecy anticipates a miraculous reunification and healing of this ancient schism.

**What is the significance of "going and weeping" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "going and weeping" is highly significant, indicating more than just physical sorrow or lamentation over their suffering in exile. It primarily signifies a deep, genuine repentance and contrition for the sins that led to their captivity. This weeping is a spiritual act, a heartfelt acknowledgment of their disobedience to God's covenant and a turning away from their past idolatry and unfaithfulness. It's a demonstration of a broken and contrite spirit, which is a prerequisite for true spiritual restoration and reconciliation with God (cf. [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")). This sorrowful humility prepares them to "seek the LORD their God" wholeheartedly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:4, with its vision of a repentant people returning to seek the Lord, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical return of Israel and Judah from exile foreshadows the spiritual return of humanity to God through Christ's redemptive work. The "weeping" of the exiles, signifying repentance for sin, points forward to the call to repentance that is central to the Gospel message (cf. [Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven Is At Hand")). It is through Christ that genuine sorrow over sin leads not to despair, but to forgiveness and new life. The earnest "seeking the LORD their God" is fully realized in seeking and finding God in Jesus, who declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" and that "no one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Furthermore, the reunification of the "children of Israel" and "children of Judah" finds its spiritual culmination in the Church, where Jew and Gentile are brought together into one body through Christ's atoning sacrifice, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and creating "one new humanity" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the prophetic hope of Jeremiah 50:4 is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus, who makes true spiritual return, reconciliation, and unity possible for all who come to Him in faith.

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

Hosea 1:11

Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great [shall be] the day of Jezreel.

Hosea 3:5

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

Jeremiah 31:31

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Isaiah 11:12

And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

Isaiah 11:13

The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

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.

Jeremiah 31:7

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.