Jeremiah 50:5

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.

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}.

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.'

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.

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.

Jeremiah 50:5 paints a vivid picture of a future spiritual restoration for Israel and Judah, prophesied amidst the pronouncements of judgment against Babylon. It describes a profound desire for reconciliation and a renewed, unbreakable relationship with God.

Context

This verse is part of Jeremiah's extensive prophecy against Babylon (Jeremiah chapters 50-51), foretelling its eventual destruction and the liberation of God's people from the Babylonian captivity. While the immediate context is the physical return from exile, verse 5 elevates the focus to a spiritual homecoming. It anticipates a time when the scattered remnants of Israel and Judah will earnestly seek the Lord, turning their hearts towards Jerusalem (Zion), the spiritual center of their faith.

Key Themes

  • Earnest Seeking and Repentance: The phrase "They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward" signifies a deep spiritual hunger and a deliberate turning towards God. It represents a heartfelt desire for seeking the Lord with all their heart, acknowledging their past straying.
  • Covenant Renewal: The declaration, "Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant," speaks to a collective longing for reconciliation and a recommitment to their relationship with God. This covenant is described as "perpetual" and "shall not be forgotten," highlighting its enduring nature and God's faithfulness, contrasting with the often-broken covenants of the past.
  • God's Unfailing Promises: The emphasis on a "perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten" underscores God's unwavering commitment to His people. Even when they stray, His promises stand firm, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment in the new covenant established through Christ.
  • The Draw of Zion: Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem, represents God's dwelling place and the spiritual homeland. The yearning to return to Zion is not merely geographical but spiritual, representing a desire to be in right relationship and communion with God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "perpetual covenant" is bĕrît 'ôlām (ברית עולם). The word 'ôlām conveys a sense of eternity, everlastingness, or a long duration that extends beyond human comprehension. This emphasizes the unbreakable and enduring nature of the new relationship God promises to His people, a stark contrast to previous covenants that were conditional and often broken by human unfaithfulness.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 50:5 offers profound encouragement and a timeless call to all believers. It reminds us that:

  • Spiritual Direction Matters: Like those seeking the way to Zion, we are called to actively seek God's direction in our lives, turning our hearts and minds towards Him. This involves prayer, studying God's Word, and seeking His will.
  • Commitment to God is Paramount: The desire to "join ourselves to the LORD" is a call to deep, personal commitment. Our faith is not passive but requires active engagement and dedication to living according to His principles.
  • God's Faithfulness Endures: This verse beautifully highlights God's steadfast love and the permanence of His promises. Even when we falter, His covenant remains. This provides immense hope and assurance in our walk of faith, knowing that His love is new every morning.
The longing expressed in this prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who inaugurated the new and eternal covenant, inviting all to join themselves to the Lord through faith.

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 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.

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