Jeremiah 32:40

I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me.

Study Bible

I will make an everlasting covenant with them
The phrase "everlasting covenant" is rooted in the Hebrew word "בְּרִית" (berit), which signifies a binding agreement or promise. In the context of the Old Testament, covenants were divine commitments that God made with His people, often marked by solemn ceremonies. The term "everlasting" underscores the perpetual and unbreakable nature of this covenant, reflecting God's eternal faithfulness. Historically, this promise echoes the covenants made with Abraham, Moses, and David, each pointing towards a future fulfillment in Christ, who establishes the New Covenant through His sacrifice. This covenant is not just a renewal of past promises but an assurance of God's unending commitment to His people.

I will never turn away from doing good to them
The assurance "I will never turn away" highlights God's unwavering dedication to His people. The Hebrew root "שׁוּב" (shuv) means to turn back or return, and here it is used to emphasize God's steadfastness. This promise of continual goodness is a profound expression of divine grace, contrasting human inconsistency with God's reliability. Historically, Israel experienced cycles of faithfulness and rebellion, yet God's promise here is one of relentless benevolence. This reflects the New Testament teaching that "every good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17), affirming that God's nature is inherently good and His actions towards His people are always for their benefit.

and I will put My fear in their hearts
The phrase "My fear" refers to a reverential awe and respect for God, rooted in the Hebrew word "יִרְאָה" (yirah). This is not a fear that paralyzes but one that inspires worship and obedience. By placing His fear in their hearts, God is promising an internal transformation that leads to genuine devotion. This internalization of God's fear is a key aspect of the New Covenant, where the law is written on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33). It signifies a shift from external adherence to internal conviction, a theme echoed in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

so that they will never turn away from Me
The phrase "never turn away" again uses the Hebrew root "שׁוּב" (shuv), but this time it emphasizes the people's response to God's initiative. The promise is that, empowered by God's Spirit, His people will remain faithful. This assurance is both comforting and empowering, as it highlights the transformative power of God's covenantal love. In the broader biblical narrative, this reflects the perseverance of the saints, a doctrine that assures believers of their eternal security in Christ. It is a promise that God not only initiates the relationship but also sustains it, ensuring that His people remain in His presence forever.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of both judgment and hope to the people of Judah during a time of great turmoil and impending exile.

2. God
The covenant-making and covenant-keeping God who promises to establish an everlasting covenant with His people.

3. The People of Judah
The recipients of God's promise, who are facing the consequences of their disobedience but are also given hope for future restoration.

4. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Jeremiah prophesied, where the people of Judah were taken captive by Babylon as a result of their unfaithfulness to God.

5. Everlasting Covenant
A divine promise of unending commitment and relationship between God and His people, characterized by God's unwavering goodness and the instilling of reverence in their hearts.

Teaching Points

The Nature of God's Covenant
God's covenants are everlasting, reflecting His unchanging nature and eternal commitment to His people.

God's Unwavering Goodness
God promises never to turn away from doing good to His people, highlighting His benevolent character and faithfulness.

The Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is a divine gift that keeps believers aligned with God's will, fostering a relationship of reverence and obedience.

Heart Transformation
True transformation comes from God placing His fear in our hearts, leading to a life that does not turn away from Him.

Hope in Restoration
Even in times of judgment or discipline, God offers hope and restoration through His promises and covenants.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian Exile enhance our comprehension of God's promise in Jeremiah 32:40?

2. In what ways does the concept of an "everlasting covenant" provide assurance and hope to believers today?

3. How can we cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to ensure we do not turn away from Him?

4. Compare the promise in Jeremiah 32:40 with the new covenant described in Hebrews 8:10. What similarities and differences do you observe?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's unwavering goodness in your life. How did it impact your relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 36:26-27
This passage speaks of God giving a new heart and spirit to His people, similar to the promise of putting His fear in their hearts in Jeremiah 32:40.

Hebrews 8:10
The New Testament reiteration of the new covenant, where God writes His laws on the hearts of His people, echoing the everlasting covenant theme.

Deuteronomy 30:6
God promises to circumcise the hearts of His people so they may love Him fully, aligning with the idea of instilling His fear in their hearts.