Jeremiah 31:35

¶ Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, [and] the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts [is] his name:

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, which giveth {H5414} the sun {H8121} for a light {H216} by day {H3119}, and the ordinances {H2708} of the moon {H3394} and of the stars {H3556} for a light {H216} by night {H3915}, which divideth {H7280} the sea {H3220} when the waves {H1530} thereof roar {H1993}; The LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} is his name {H8034}:

This is what ADONAI says, who gives the sun as light for the day, who ordained the laws for the moon and stars to provide light for the night, who stirs up the sea until its waves rorar -- ADONAI-Tzva'ot is his name:

Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day, who sets in order the moon and stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name:

Thus saith Jehovah, who giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who stirreth up the sea, so that the waves thereof roar; Jehovah of hosts is his name:

Commentary

Jeremiah 31:35 is a powerful declaration of God's unchanging nature and supreme control over creation, serving as a foundational truth for the reliability of His promises. In this verse, the LORD identifies Himself through His consistent governance of the cosmos and His dominion over the chaotic forces of nature, culminating in the declaration of His sovereign name, "The LORD of hosts."

Context

This verse is found within the "Book of Comfort" (Jeremiah chapters 30-33), a section of Jeremiah's prophecy that shifts from pronouncements of judgment to messages of hope and restoration for Israel and Judah. Specifically, Jeremiah 31 speaks extensively about the future return of the exiled people and the establishment of a New Covenant. Verse 35 serves as a divine oath, asserting that God's commitment to His people and His promises are as fixed and reliable as the laws governing the sun, moon, and stars. It underpins the certainty of God's covenant faithfulness with the unchangeable order of His creation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Order: The verse vividly portrays God as the supreme Architect and Sustainer of the universe. He is the one who "giveth the sun for a light by day" and established the "ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night." This highlights His meticulous design and ongoing control over the cosmos, demonstrating His power over all creation.
  • Unwavering Faithfulness: By comparing His promises to the dependable cycles of day and night, God emphasizes His steadfast character. His word and covenant are as reliable as the fixed laws of the universe. This provides immense assurance that what God has promised, He will surely perform, regardless of human circumstances or failures.
  • God's Power Over Chaos: The phrase "which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar" alludes to God's formidable power over tumultuous forces, perhaps recalling the miraculous parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus. This signifies God's ability to bring order out of chaos and to overcome any obstacle that might threaten His plans or people.
  • The Authority of "The LORD of hosts": The verse concludes with the declaration, "The LORD of hosts is his name." This powerful title, Yahweh Sabaoth in Hebrew, signifies God's absolute authority and irresistible power as the commander of all heavenly and earthly armies. It underscores His omnipotence and His ability to fulfill every promise and enact every decree.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word translated "ordinances" (Hebrew: chuqqot) refers to fixed statutes, established laws, or decrees that are unchangeable. This emphasizes the reliability and constancy of God's cosmic order, which in turn reinforces the reliability of His covenant with His people.
  • "The LORD of hosts" is a significant divine title, Yahweh Sabaoth, where "Sabaoth" means "armies" or "hosts." This title emphasizes God's supreme authority, not only over celestial beings but also over all earthly powers and circumstances. It speaks to His omnipotence and His ability to command and control all things.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 31:35 offers profound comfort and a solid foundation for faith. Just as God faithfully governs the vast universe with unwavering consistency, we can trust His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to us, even amidst personal or global chaos. This verse encourages believers to:

  • Trust God's Promises: Recognize that God's word is as dependable as the rising sun and the moon's fixed course. His plans for blessing and restoration are certain.
  • Find Assurance in His Power: When faced with overwhelming circumstances ("waves thereof roar"), remember that God has the power to divide the sea and bring order. He is in control.
  • Worship the Sovereign Creator: Acknowledge God's immense power and authority as "The LORD of hosts," who governs all things and is worthy of all praise and adoration. This truth provides a stable anchor for hope (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 51:15 (6 votes)

    But I [am] the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

  • Jeremiah 10:16 (6 votes)

    The portion of Jacob [is] not like them: for he [is] the former of all [things]; and Israel [is] the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

  • Psalms 136:7 (5 votes)

    To him that made great lights: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

  • Psalms 136:9 (5 votes)

    The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

  • Jeremiah 50:34 (4 votes)

    Their Redeemer [is] strong; the LORD of hosts [is] his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

  • Genesis 1:14 (4 votes)

    ¶ And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

  • Genesis 1:18 (4 votes)

    And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that [it was] good.