They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel's Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn." They will come with weepingThe phrase "They will come with weeping" signifies a profound emotional response from the people of Israel as they return to their homeland. The Hebrew word for "weeping" is "בְּכִי" (beki), which often denotes a deep, heartfelt sorrow or repentance. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' recognition of their sins and the consequences they faced, leading to their exile. The weeping is not just of sadness but also of joy and relief as they anticipate God's restoration and forgiveness. This duality of emotion is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of repentance and God's mercy. and by their supplication I will lead them
The term "supplication" comes from the Hebrew "תַּחֲנוּנִים" (tachanunim), which implies earnest prayer or plea. This indicates a humble and sincere request for God's guidance and favor. The act of supplication is a demonstration of the Israelites' dependence on God and their acknowledgment of His sovereignty. Historically, this reflects the period of exile when the Israelites turned back to God, seeking His guidance and intervention. God's response to their supplication underscores His faithfulness and willingness to lead those who earnestly seek Him. I will lead them
The phrase "I will lead them" emphasizes God's active role in guiding His people. The Hebrew root "נָחָה" (nahah) means to lead or guide, often used in the context of a shepherd leading his flock. This imagery is consistent with the biblical portrayal of God as a shepherd who cares for and directs His people. Historically, this leadership was evident as God orchestrated the return of the Israelites from exile. It serves as a reminder of God's providential care and His commitment to guiding His people through life's challenges. beside streams of water
"Streams of water" symbolize refreshment, life, and sustenance. The Hebrew word "נַחֲלֵי" (nachalei) refers to flowing streams or brooks, which in the arid landscape of the Near East, were vital for survival. This imagery conveys God's provision and the spiritual nourishment He offers. In a broader scriptural context, water often represents the Holy Spirit and the life-giving Word of God. The promise of leading His people beside streams of water assures them of His continuous provision and care. on a level path
The "level path" signifies a smooth, straight, and safe journey. The Hebrew "דֶּרֶךְ מִישׁוֹר" (derekh mishor) suggests a path that is free from obstacles and dangers. This reflects God's promise to remove hindrances and provide a clear way for His people to return to Him. Historically, this can be seen in the return from Babylonian exile, where God made a way for His people to come back to their land. Spiritually, it represents the righteous path that God sets before His followers, guiding them in truth and righteousness. where they will not stumble
The assurance that "they will not stumble" highlights God's protection and support. The Hebrew "לֹא יִכָּשְׁלוּ" (lo yikashlu) implies a journey without falling or faltering. This promise of stability and security is a testament to God's faithfulness in upholding His people. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the believer's journey of faith, where God provides strength and guidance to prevent spiritual stumbling. It is a comforting assurance that with God as their guide, His people can walk confidently and securely. for I am Israel’s Father
The declaration "for I am Israel’s Father" emphasizes the intimate and personal relationship between God and His people. The concept of God as a Father is rooted in the Hebrew "אָב" (av), denoting a protector, provider, and authority figure. This paternal imagery underscores God's love, care, and commitment to His covenant with Israel. Historically, it reflects the unique relationship God established with Israel as His chosen people. This fatherly role assures the Israelites of His unwavering support and guidance. and Ephraim is My firstborn
"Ephraim is My firstborn" signifies a position of favor and privilege. In Hebrew culture, the firstborn son, "בְּכוֹר" (bekhor), held a special status and inheritance rights. Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, is acknowledged here as having a special place in God's plan. This designation is a reaffirmation of God's covenant promises despite Ephraim's past unfaithfulness. It serves as a reminder of God's grace and the restoration He offers to those who return to Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel. 2. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, often representing the collective people of God in the Old Testament. 3. EphraimOne of the tribes of Israel, often used to represent the Northern Kingdom of Israel. 4. Streams of WatersSymbolic of God's provision and guidance, representing spiritual refreshment and sustenance. 5. Level PathA metaphor for God's guidance and protection, ensuring a safe journey for His people. Teaching Points God's Compassionate GuidanceGod leads His people with compassion, even when they come with weeping and supplications. This reflects His deep love and care for us, encouraging us to approach Him with our burdens. Provision and ProtectionThe promise of streams of waters and a level path signifies God's provision and protection. We can trust Him to provide for our needs and guide us safely through life's challenges. Identity and RelationshipGod identifies Himself as Israel's Father and Ephraim as His firstborn, emphasizing the intimate relationship He desires with His people. We are reminded of our identity as children of God and the privileges that come with it. Repentance and RestorationThe weeping and supplications indicate a heart of repentance. God responds to genuine repentance with restoration and guidance, offering hope for renewal. Faithful LeadershipGod's leadership is faithful and trustworthy. As believers, we are called to follow His lead, confident that He will not let us stumble. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "streams of waters" and a "level path" in Jeremiah 31:9 provide comfort in your current life situation? 2. In what ways can you relate to the weeping and supplications mentioned in this verse, and how can you seek God's guidance in those moments? 3. How does understanding God as a Father to Israel and Ephraim as His firstborn shape your view of your relationship with God? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision and protection. How does this reinforce your trust in His guidance? 5. How can you apply the principles of repentance and restoration in your daily walk with God, and what other scriptures support this process? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 35:8This verse speaks of a highway of holiness, where the redeemed will walk safely, connecting to the idea of a "level path" in Jeremiah 31:9. Psalm 23:2-3The imagery of being led beside still waters and paths of righteousness parallels the guidance and provision mentioned in Jeremiah 31:9. Hosea 11:1This verse refers to Israel as God's son, similar to the father-son relationship mentioned with Ephraim in Jeremiah 31:9. Revelation 7:17The Lamb leading to springs of living water connects to the streams of waters in Jeremiah 31:9, symbolizing eternal guidance and sustenance. People Gareb, Jacob, Jeremiah, Rachel, RahelPlaces Corner Gate, Egypt, Gareb, Goah, Horse Gate, Kidron, Ramah, Samaria, Tower of Hananel, ZionTopics Beside, Bring, Brooks, Cause, Consolations, Ephraim, E'phraim, Falling, Firstborn, First-born, Guide, Guiding, Israel's, Lead, Level, Path, Petitions, Rivers, Sons, Straight, Streams, Stumble, Supplication, Supplications, Walk, Water-brooks, Waters, Weeping, WhereinDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 31:9 1040 God, fatherhood
1210 God, human descriptions
2218 Christ, Son of God
4278 spring of water
5198 weeping
5688 firstborn
5895 intimacy
6609 adoption, nature of
7115 children of God Jeremiah 31:8-9 8125 guidance, promise Jeremiah 31:9-10 7141 people of God, OT Library What the Stable Creation Teaches
'If those ordinances depart from before Me, saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before Me for ever.'--JER. xxxi. 36. This is the seal of the new covenant, which is to be made in days future to the prophet and his contemporaries, with the house of Israel and of Judah. That new covenant is referred to in Hebrews as the fundamental law of Christ's kingdom. Therefore we have the right to take to ourselves the promises which it contains, and to think of 'the house …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWhat the Immense Creation Teaches
'If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the Lord.'--JER. xxxi. 37. In the former sermon we considered the previous verse as presenting the stability of creation as a guarantee of the firmness of God's gracious covenant. Now we have to consider these grand closing words which bring before us another aspect of the universe as a guarantee for another side of God's gracious …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture August the Twenty-First Satisfaction
"My people shall be satisfied with My goodness." --JEREMIAH xxxi. 10-14. And how unlike is all this to the feasts of the world! There is a great show, but no satisfaction. There is much decorative china, but no nutritious food or drink. "Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again." We rise from the table, and our deepest cravings are unappeased. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?" We know. We have had a condiment, but no meat; a showy menu-card, but no reviving feast. Nothing but …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year God in the Covenant
But I have been thinking for the last two or three days, that the covenant of grace excels the other covenant most marvelously in the mighty blessings which it confers. What does the covenant of grace convey? I had thought this morning of preaching a sermon upon "The covenant of grace; what are the blessings it gives to God's children?" But when I began to think of it, there was so much in the covenant, that if I had only read a catalogue of the great and glorious blessings, wrapped up within its …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856 The Two Covenants: their Relation
"It is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondmaid, and one by the freewoman. Howbeit, the one by the bondmaid is born after the flesh; but the son by the freewoman is born through promise. Which things contain an allegory: for these women are two covenants." -GAL. iv. 22-24. THERE are two covenants, one called the Old, the other the New. God speaks of this very distinctly in Jeremiah, where He says: "The days come, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, not after the …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The New Covenant
"But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."--JER. xxxi. 33, 34. ISAIAH has often been called …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants Conversion of all that Come.
"Turn Thou me and I shall be turned." --Jer. xxxi. 18. The elect, born again and effectually called, converts himself. To remain unconverted is impossible; but he inclines his ear, he turns his face to the blessed God, he is converted in the fullest sense of the word. In conversion the fact of cooperation on the part of the saved sinner assumes a clearly defined and perceptible character. In regeneration there was none; in the calling there was a beginning of it; in conversion proper it became a …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Old Things are Passed Away.
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John Newton—Olney Hymns Whether the Active Life Remains after this Life?
Objection 1: It would seem that the active life remains after this life. For the acts of the moral virtues belong to the active life, as stated above [3738](A[1]). But the moral virtues endure after this life according to Augustine (De Trin. xiv, 9). Therefore the active life remains after this life. Objection 2: Further, teaching others belongs to the active life, as stated above [3739](A[3]). But in the life to come when "we shall be like the angels," teaching will be possible: even as apparently …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Waiting Faith Rewarded and Strengthened by New Revelations
'And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect. And I will make My covenant between Me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for Me, behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
'And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel. 4. And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Perseverance in Holiness
May the King himself come near and feast his saints to-day! May the Comforter who convinced of sin now come to cheer us with the promise! We noticed concerning the fig tree, that it was confirmed in its barrenness: it had borne no fruit, though it made large professions of doing so, and it was made to abide as it was. Let us consider another form of confirmation: not the curse of continuance in the rooted habit of evil; but the blessing of perseverance in a settled way of grace. May the Lord show …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889 Appendix xiv. The Law in Messianic Times.
THE question as to the Rabbinic views in regard to the binding character of the Law, and its imposition on the Gentiles, in Messianic times, although, strictly speaking, not forming part of this history, is of such vital importance in connection with recent controversies as to demand special consideration. In the text to which this Appendix refers it has been indicated, that a new legislation was expected in Messianic days. The ultimate basis of this expectancy must be sought in the Old Testament …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Conversion --Varied Phenomena or Experience.
We have spoken of the meaning of this term, inquired into the nature of the change, and noted its essential elements. We have also learned that there are some who do not need it because they are in a converted state, and that all who are not in such a state of Grace, do need conversion, regardless of anything that may or may not have taken place in the past. We inquire now as to the agencies or means by which this change is brought about. For it is a change which man can certainly not effect by his …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The King in Exile
'And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him. 14. When he arose, he took the young child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt; 15. And was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture "We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. "
1 John ii. 1.--"We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." There is no settlement to the spirit of a sinner that is once touched with the sense of his sins, and apprehension of the justice and wrath of God, but in some clear and distinct understanding of the grounds of consolation in the gospel, and the method of salvation revealed in it. There is no solid peace giving answer to the challenges of the law and thy own conscience, but in the advocation of Jesus Christ, the Saviour …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Lord's Supper Instituted.
(Jerusalem. Evening Before the Crucifixion.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 26-29; ^B Mark XIV. 22-25; ^C Luke XXII. 19, 20; ^F I. Cor. XI. 23-26. ^a 26 And as they were eating, ^f the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread; 24 and when he had given thanks, { ^b blessed,} ^f he brake it, ^a and he gave to the disciples, and said, ^b Take ye: ^a Take, eat; this is my body. ^f which is ^c given ^f for you: this do in remembrance of me. [As only unleavened bread was eaten during the paschal supper, …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The First Covenant
"Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice, and keep My covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me."--EX. xix. 5. "He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even ten commandments."--DEUT. iv. 13.i "If ye keep these judgments, the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant,"--DEUT. vii. 12. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, which My covenant they brake."--JER. xxxi. 31, 32. WE have …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants Sanctification.
I. I will remind you of some points that have been settled in this course of study. 1. The true intent and meaning of the law of God has been, as I trust, ascertained in the lectures on moral government. Let this point if need be, be examined by reference to those lectures. 2. We have also seen, in those lectures, what is not, and what is implied in entire obedience to the moral law. 3. In those lectures, and also in the lectures on justification and repentance, it has been shown that nothing is …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Links Jeremiah 31:9 NIVJeremiah 31:9 NLTJeremiah 31:9 ESVJeremiah 31:9 NASBJeremiah 31:9 KJV
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