The LORD’s promise of deliverance, surpassing even the miracle of Egypt, points to His unwavering nature and the hope found in His redemptive plans.
Jeremiah, a prophet active from around 627 BC until sometime after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, speaks of a future transformation in the way the people of Israel remember God’s deliverance. He proclaims these words: "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when they will no longer say, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt’" (v. 7). This remarkable statement signals a shift from recalling the exodus from Egypt as the principal act of God’s salvation to a newer and even more significant act of redemption. For centuries, the Israelites had recounted the story of the exodus, tied to Egypt, which is located in northeast Africa along the Nile River. This deliverance under Moses in about 1446 BC was central to Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people, but now the prophet hints that a new story of deliverance is imminent.
In highlighting this change, Jeremiah contrasts the past exodus event with a future gathering of God’s people from very different places. Through his life, Jeremiah continually points forward to a time when the LORD would fulfill His promises in a way that would overshadow even the crossing of the Red Sea. By emphasizing that they will no longer say (v. 7) the old phrase, Jeremiah invites the people to anticipate a new display of the LORD’s power and faithfulness. This text connects to the broader biblical theme of God restoring His people, a hope ultimately traced to the promise of redemption through Jesus (Hebrews 8:6). Though the exodus was a pinnacle of deliverance, the coming occasion will deepen Israel’s conviction in God’s everlasting commitment to them.
Continuing this future vision, Jeremiah declares: but, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up and led back the descendants of the household of Israel from the north land and from all the countries where I had driven them’ (v. 8). The “northland” specifically refers to areas such as Babylon, located in ancient Mesopotamia (modern—day Iraq), where many Judeans would experience exile after Jerusalem’s fall in 586 BC. During Jeremiah’s lifetime, the Babylonian Empire rose to dominance under King Nebuchadnezzar II (reigned 605-562 BC), making the threat of captivity a very real concern. Yet God promises to reverse this situation, reestablishing His people with a new covenant relationship.
This promise of God turning captivity into restoration echoes throughout the prophetic writings, pointing to a time when the LORD’s power would prevail over far—flung dispersions. In foretelling that the LORD will gather His people from all the countries (v. 8), Jeremiah looks forward to a redemption that transcends the boundaries of just one empire. This verse underscores the breadth of God’s reach and the consistency of His compassion. Ultimately, the people will live on their own soil (v. 8), signifying a return not only to the physical land but also to a renewed covenant with their God. The new exodus will be marked by unity, repentance, and divine faithfulness.
God’s enduring intention to restore the scattered nation reminds us that He is constantly working to bring His people back to Himself. Moving beyond the exodus from Egypt, this future redemption will act as a defining moment of renewed identity and vitality for Israel. By proclaiming that He will personally lead back His wayward people, the LORD demonstrates a compassionate resolve that characterizes His relationship with the covenant community. Through adversity and exile, His plan for liberation never fails and His presence remains steadfast.
Jeremiah 23:7-8
7 “Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when they will no longer say, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt,'
8 but, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up and led back the descendants of the household of Israel from the north land and from all the countries where I had driven them.' Then they will live on their own soil.”
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Jeremiah 23:7-8 meaning
Jeremiah, a prophet active from around 627 BC until sometime after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, speaks of a future transformation in the way the people of Israel remember God’s deliverance. He proclaims these words: "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when they will no longer say, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt’" (v. 7). This remarkable statement signals a shift from recalling the exodus from Egypt as the principal act of God’s salvation to a newer and even more significant act of redemption. For centuries, the Israelites had recounted the story of the exodus, tied to Egypt, which is located in northeast Africa along the Nile River. This deliverance under Moses in about 1446 BC was central to Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people, but now the prophet hints that a new story of deliverance is imminent.
In highlighting this change, Jeremiah contrasts the past exodus event with a future gathering of God’s people from very different places. Through his life, Jeremiah continually points forward to a time when the LORD would fulfill His promises in a way that would overshadow even the crossing of the Red Sea. By emphasizing that they will no longer say (v. 7) the old phrase, Jeremiah invites the people to anticipate a new display of the LORD’s power and faithfulness. This text connects to the broader biblical theme of God restoring His people, a hope ultimately traced to the promise of redemption through Jesus (Hebrews 8:6). Though the exodus was a pinnacle of deliverance, the coming occasion will deepen Israel’s conviction in God’s everlasting commitment to them.
Continuing this future vision, Jeremiah declares: but, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up and led back the descendants of the household of Israel from the north land and from all the countries where I had driven them’ (v. 8). The “north land” specifically refers to areas such as Babylon, located in ancient Mesopotamia (modern—day Iraq), where many Judeans would experience exile after Jerusalem’s fall in 586 BC. During Jeremiah’s lifetime, the Babylonian Empire rose to dominance under King Nebuchadnezzar II (reigned 605-562 BC), making the threat of captivity a very real concern. Yet God promises to reverse this situation, reestablishing His people with a new covenant relationship.
This promise of God turning captivity into restoration echoes throughout the prophetic writings, pointing to a time when the LORD’s power would prevail over far—flung dispersions. In foretelling that the LORD will gather His people from all the countries (v. 8), Jeremiah looks forward to a redemption that transcends the boundaries of just one empire. This verse underscores the breadth of God’s reach and the consistency of His compassion. Ultimately, the people will live on their own soil (v. 8), signifying a return not only to the physical land but also to a renewed covenant with their God. The new exodus will be marked by unity, repentance, and divine faithfulness.
God’s enduring intention to restore the scattered nation reminds us that He is constantly working to bring His people back to Himself. Moving beyond the exodus from Egypt, this future redemption will act as a defining moment of renewed identity and vitality for Israel. By proclaiming that He will personally lead back His wayward people, the LORD demonstrates a compassionate resolve that characterizes His relationship with the covenant community. Through adversity and exile, His plan for liberation never fails and His presence remains steadfast.