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.
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}.
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.
“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.
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.
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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.
Jeremiah 50:4 is a powerful prophetic declaration, offering a beacon of hope amidst the pronouncements of judgment against Babylon. It speaks of a future restoration for God's people, the children of Israel and Judah, who had been scattered and exiled due to their disobedience.
Context of Jeremiah 50:4
This verse is found within a specific section of Jeremiah's prophecies (chapters 50-51) dedicated to the downfall of Babylon, the very empire God used to punish Judah. While the immediate context is one of divine judgment on Judah's oppressor, this verse pivots to a vision of the future where the exiled people would return. The "children of Israel" often refers to the Northern Kingdom, dispersed by Assyria centuries earlier, while the "children of Judah" were those exiled to Babylon. The prophecy anticipates a remarkable reunification of these historically divided kingdoms, signifying a healing of past divisions.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "weeping" (bĕḵî) conveys profound sorrow and lamentation, often in the context of mourning or deep repentance. It suggests a heartfelt acknowledgment of their failures and a broken spirit. The phrase "seek the LORD their God" (biqqēš YHWH ʾĕlōhêhem) implies a diligent, earnest, and persistent pursuit of God, indicating a desire for intimacy and obedience rather than a superficial inquiry. This seeking is active and intentional, leading to a restored covenant relationship.
Practical Application
Jeremiah 50:4 offers timeless lessons for believers today: