Jeremiah 50:5

KJV

They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, [saying], Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant [that] shall not be forgotten.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall ask {H7592} the way {H1870} to Zion {H6726} with their faces {H6440} thitherward {H2008}, saying, Come {H935}, and let us join {H3867} ourselves to the LORD {H3068} in a perpetual {H5769} covenant {H1285} that shall not be forgotten {H7911}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will ask the way to Tziyon; and, turning their faces toward it, will say, 'Come, join yourselves to ADONAI by an everlasting covenant never to be forgotten.'

Berean Standard Bible

They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten.

American Standard Version

They shall inquire concerning Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come ye, and join yourselves to Jehovah in an everlasting covenant that shall not be forgotten.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:5 powerfully envisions a future spiritual restoration for the exiled people of Israel and Judah, prophesied amidst the pronouncements of divine judgment against Babylon. It depicts a collective, heartfelt yearning for reconciliation with God, expressed through their deliberate turning towards Zion and their earnest desire to enter into a renewed, unbreakable covenant relationship with the LORD that will endure perpetually. This verse encapsulates a profound hope for spiritual homecoming and an enduring commitment to God's faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah's extensive prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50-51. These chapters detail God's impending judgment upon Babylon for its pride and its role in oppressing God's people, simultaneously promising the liberation and return of the exiles to their homeland. While the broader context is one of judgment and physical restoration, Jeremiah 50:5 shifts the focus to the spiritual dimension of this return. It anticipates not merely a geographical homecoming but a profound spiritual turning of the heart back to God, highlighting the ultimate purpose of their liberation as a renewal of their covenant relationship. This spiritual emphasis elevates the physical return to a theological restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile, a period of immense suffering and dislocation for the kingdoms of Judah and Israel (the northern kingdom having already fallen to Assyria). The people had been forcibly removed from their land, their temple destroyed, and their national identity challenged. During this time, the concept of a covenant with God was central to their understanding of themselves as a chosen people, yet their history was marked by repeated covenant unfaithfulness. The yearning for Zion (Jerusalem) was deeply ingrained, representing not just a city but the dwelling place of God and the center of their religious and national life. The idea of "asking the way to Zion" reflects the practical reality of a long journey home, but more profoundly, it symbolizes a spiritual pilgrimage, a deliberate seeking of God's presence and His established ways, contrasting sharply with the idolatry and rebellion that led to their exile.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 50:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Restoration and Return**, not just physically from exile but spiritually to God's presence, echoing promises found in [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promises of Restoration"). The phrase "They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward" powerfully conveys **Earnest Seeking and Repentance**, illustrating a deliberate and heartfelt turning towards God after a period of straying. This genuine seeking is a prerequisite for the **Covenant Renewal** described, where the people desire to "join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant." This emphasis on a "perpetual covenant" highlights God's **Unfailing Faithfulness** and the enduring nature of His promises, even when human faithfulness falters, foreshadowing the [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") that God would establish. Finally, the centrality of **Zion** as the destination symbolizes the desire for communion with God and the re-establishment of true worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From דָּרַךְ (darak), meaning "to tread" or "to walk," _derek_ refers to a physical road or path. Figuratively, it denotes a course of life, a mode of action, or a journey. Here, it signifies the spiritual direction and journey towards God's presence in Zion, representing a deliberate and intentional seeking of His will and presence.
* **Join (Hebrew, _lâvâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to twine" or "to unite." It implies a deep, binding connection, often used in the context of cleaving or adhering to someone or something. In this verse, it expresses a profound desire for covenantal unity and allegiance with the LORD, indicating a willing and active commitment to Him.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cut" (referring to the ancient practice of cutting animals in covenant ceremonies), _bᵉrîyth_ signifies a compact, alliance, or solemn agreement. It denotes a binding relationship established by divine initiative, characterized by promises and obligations. The addition of "perpetual" (_ʻôwlâm_) emphasizes its eternal, unbreakable nature, contrasting with previous broken covenants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward":** This clause paints a vivid picture of a people earnestly seeking their spiritual home. "Asking the way" implies a lost or disoriented state, now yearning for direction. "To Zion" signifies their ultimate spiritual destination—God's dwelling place. "With their faces thitherward" emphasizes their determined intent and focused desire, indicating a deliberate turning of their entire being towards God. This is not a casual inquiry but a fervent, directional movement of heart and mind.
* **"saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD":** This represents a collective, communal declaration of commitment. The invitation "Come" is an urgent call to action, while "let us join ourselves" expresses a deep desire for intimate union and allegiance with Yahweh (the LORD). It signifies a willing submission and a desire to be bound to Him in a relationship of loyalty and devotion, acknowledging His rightful sovereignty.
* **"in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten":** This final phrase defines the nature of the desired relationship. A "perpetual covenant" (Hebrew: _bᵉrîyth ʻôwlām_) denotes an eternal, everlasting, and unbreakable agreement, highlighting God's faithfulness and the enduring quality of this renewed bond. The assurance "that shall not be forgotten" underscores the permanence of God's commitment, contrasting with humanity's historical tendency to forget or break covenants, and promising a relationship that will endure through all generations.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of hope and restoration. **Imagery** is prominent, particularly in "asking the way to Zion with their faces thitherward," which evokes a visual of a people orienting themselves physically and spiritually towards their true home. This image functions as **Symbolism**, where "Zion" represents not merely a geographical location but the spiritual presence of God, the place of true worship, and the restored relationship between God and His people. The phrase "join ourselves to the LORD" uses **Metaphor** to describe a deep, intimate union, akin to a physical binding, emphasizing the profound commitment involved in covenant renewal. The entire verse is a form of **Prophecy**, foretelling a future state of spiritual revival and enduring faithfulness, offering a beacon of hope amidst the pronouncements of judgment. The repetition of the theme of covenant, especially its "perpetual" and "unforgettable" nature, uses **Emphasis** to highlight God's unwavering faithfulness and the lasting quality of the promised restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical narrative of God's persistent pursuit of His people and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It foreshadows a time when the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah would be reunited in their devotion to the LORD, transcending their historical divisions. The desire for a "perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten" speaks to the human longing for security and permanence in their relationship with the divine, a longing that God Himself instills and ultimately fulfills. It underscores the truth that true restoration is always spiritual, involving a turning of the heart back to the Creator and a renewed commitment to His ways, rather than merely a change in physical circumstances.

* [Deuteronomy 30:1-6](/deuteronomy/30-1 "Deuteronomy 30:1-6 - Return and Restoration")
* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - Zion as a Spiritual Center")
* [Ezekiel 37:26-28](/ezekiel/37-26 "Ezekiel 37:26-28 - An Everlasting Covenant of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:5 offers a timeless blueprint for spiritual renewal, both individually and corporately. It calls us to a deliberate and earnest seeking of God, a turning of our "faces thitherward" towards Him in all aspects of our lives. This involves not just intellectual assent but a profound reorientation of our desires, priorities, and actions towards His will and His presence. The call to "join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant" challenges us to embrace a deep, unwavering commitment to God, recognizing that our relationship with Him is not fleeting but meant to be eternal. It reminds us that true faith is an active, ongoing engagement, marked by loyalty and devotion. In a world of fleeting commitments and forgotten promises, this verse reassures us of God's steadfast love and the enduring nature of His covenant, providing immense hope and a foundation for courageous living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "ask the way to Zion," reorienting your focus and desires towards God's will?**
* **What does it mean practically for you to "join yourself to the LORD" in a perpetual covenant today?**
* **How does the promise of a "perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten" encourage you in moments of doubt or spiritual struggle?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Zion" in this verse?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 50:5, "Zion" is highly symbolic. While geographically it refers to Jerusalem, specifically the temple mount, its significance extends beyond a physical location. Zion represents the dwelling place of God, the spiritual center of Israel's faith, and the place where God's presence was manifested. For the exiles, "asking the way to Zion" was not just about returning home but about returning to right relationship and communion with God. It symbolizes the restoration of true worship and the re-establishment of God's covenant with His people, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - The Mountain of the Lord's House").

**How does this "perpetual covenant" relate to earlier covenants God made with Israel?**

Answer: The "perpetual covenant" mentioned here signifies a renewed and enduring relationship, contrasting with the conditional covenants (like the Mosaic Covenant) that Israel repeatedly broke due to their unfaithfulness. While God's faithfulness to His promises (e.g., to Abraham in [Genesis 17:7](/genesis/17-7 "Genesis 17:7 - God's Everlasting Covenant with Abraham")) is always perpetual, the *people's* adherence to the covenant was often fleeting. This prophecy anticipates a future covenant, later explicitly called the "new covenant" in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), where God would write His law on their hearts, ensuring a deeper, more internal, and therefore more enduring commitment from His people. It emphasizes God's initiative to secure a lasting relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The yearning to "ask the way to Zion" and "join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant" is perfectly realized in the person and work of Christ, who is Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant, prophesied by Jeremiah, making possible a truly "perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten" ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The Superiority of the New Covenant")). Believers are now invited to "join themselves to the LORD" not through adherence to an external law, but through faith in Christ, becoming part of His body, the Church, which is the spiritual Zion, the "heavenly Jerusalem" ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - Mount Zion, the Heavenly Jerusalem")). The Spirit of God indwells believers, writing God's law on their hearts and enabling them to walk in His ways, ensuring that this new covenant relationship is indeed perpetual and unforgettable, secured by the blood of Christ ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Jesus' Blood")). Thus, the prophetic longing of Jeremiah 50:5 is fully satisfied in the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ, who brings all who believe into an eternal, unbreakable bond with God.

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

Jeremiah 32:40

And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

Hebrews 8:6

¶ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Hebrews 8:10

For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

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].

Jeremiah 6:16

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].

Genesis 17:7

¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.