more bitterness, and more tenderness, when delivered out of their captivity, than when groaning
under it. If we take God for our Father, and join the church of the first-born, we shall want nothing
that is good for us. These predictions doubtless refer also to a future gathering of the Israelites from
all quarters of the globe. And they figuratively describe the conversion of sinners to Christ, and the
plain and safe way in which they are led.
Jer. 31:10-17 He that scattered Israel, knows where to find them. It is comfortable to observe
the goodness of the Lord in the gifts of providence. But our souls are never valuable as gardens,
unless watered with the dews of God's Spirit and grace. A precious promise follows, which will
not have full accomplishment except in the heavenly Zion. Let them be satisfied of God's
loving-kindness, and they will be satisfied with it, and desire no more to make them happy. Rachel
is represented as rising from her grave, and refusing to be comforted, supposing her offspring rooted
out. The murder of the children at Bethlehem, by Herod, Matt. 2:16-18, in some degree fulfilled
this prediction, but could not be its full meaning. If we have hope in the end, concerning an eternal
inheritance, for ourselves and those belonging to us, all temporal afflictions may be borne, and will
be for our good.
Jer. 31:18-20 Ephraim (the ten tribes) is weeping for sin. He is angry at himself for his sin,
and folly, and frowardness. He finds he cannot, by his own power, keep himself close with God,
much less bring himself back when he is revolted. Therefore he prays, Turn thou me, and I shall
be turned. His will was bowed to the will of God. When the teaching of God's Spirit went with the
corrections of his providence, then the work was done. This is our comfort in affliction, that the
Lord thinks upon us. God has mercy in store, rich mercy, sure mercy, suitable mercy, for all who
seek him in sincerity.
Jer. 31:21-26 The way from the bondage of sin to the liberty of God's children, is a high-way.
It is plain, it is safe; yet none are likely to walk in it, unless they set their hearts towards it. They
are encouraged by the promise of a new, unheard-of, extraordinary thing; a creation, a work of
Almighty power; the human nature of Christ, formed and prepared by the power of the Holy Ghost:
and this is here mentioned as an encouragement to the Jews to return to their own land. And a
comfortable prospect is given them of a happy settlement there. Godliness and honesty God has
joined: let no man think to put them asunder, or to make the one atone for the want of the other. In
the love and favour of God the weary soul shall find rest, and the sorrowful shall find joy. And
what can we see with more satisfaction than the good of Jerusalem, and peace upon Israel?
Jer. 31:27-34 The people of God shall become numerous and prosperous. In Heb. 8:8,9, this
place is quoted as the sum of the covenant of grace made with believers in Jesus Christ. Not, I will
give them a new law; for Christ came not to destroy the law, but to fulfil it; but the law shall be
written in their hearts by the finger of the Spirit, as formerly written in the tables of stone. The Lord
will, by his grace, make his people willing people in the day of his power. All shall know the Lord;
all shall be welcome to the knowledge of God, and shall have the means of that knowledge. There
shall be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, at the time the gospel is published. No man shall finally
perish, but for his own sins; none, who is willing to accept of Christ's salvation.