Jeremiah 31:36
"Only if this fixed order departed from My presence, declares the LORD, would Israel's descendants ever cease to be a nation before Me."
Only if this fixed order
The phrase "fixed order" refers to the established natural laws and ordinances that govern the universe, such as the cycles of day and night, the seasons, and the celestial bodies. In Hebrew, the word used here is "חֻקּוֹת" (chuqqot), which can mean statutes or decrees. This highlights the unchanging and reliable nature of God's creation. The implication is that just as these natural laws are constant and dependable, so is God's promise to Israel. The fixed order serves as a metaphor for God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel.

departed from My presence
The idea of departing from God's presence suggests a scenario that is impossible or unthinkable. In the Hebrew context, "departed" (סוּר, sur) implies turning away or removal. God's presence is synonymous with His sustaining power and authority over creation. The impossibility of the fixed order departing from God underscores the certainty and permanence of His promises. It reassures the faithful that God's covenant with Israel is as enduring as the natural order itself.

declares the LORD
This phrase is a divine affirmation, emphasizing the authority and certainty of the statement. In Hebrew, "declares" (נְאֻם, ne'um) is often used in prophetic literature to introduce a solemn pronouncement from God. The use of "the LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) invokes the covenant name of God, reminding the reader of His eternal nature and faithfulness. It is a reminder that the words spoken are not merely human speculation but divine truth.

would Israel’s descendants ever cease
The phrase "Israel’s descendants" refers to the people of Israel, the chosen nation through whom God has chosen to reveal Himself and His purposes. The Hebrew word for "descendants" (זֶרַע, zera) can also mean seed, indicating continuity and future generations. The notion of ceasing (חָדַל, chadal) implies coming to an end or being cut off. This part of the verse reassures that the nation of Israel will never be completely destroyed or lose its identity, as long as the fixed order remains.

to be a nation before Me
The concept of being a "nation before Me" signifies a recognized and established people in the sight of God. The Hebrew word for nation (גּוֹי, goy) is often used to describe a distinct group with a common identity and purpose. The phrase "before Me" (לְפָנַי, lefanai) indicates a special relationship and standing in the presence of God. This underscores the idea that Israel's existence and identity are not merely political or social but are deeply rooted in their covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel. He is the author of the Book of Jeremiah.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often referred to in the context of God's covenant and promises. In this verse, it represents the descendants of Jacob and the people of God.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. He is the speaker in this verse, affirming His commitment to Israel.

4. Fixed Order
Refers to the natural order established by God, such as the laws of nature and the universe. It symbolizes God's unchanging faithfulness and sovereignty.

5. Covenant
The divine promise and agreement between God and Israel, which includes the assurance of Israel's continued existence as a nation.
Teaching Points
God's Unchanging Nature
Just as the natural order is constant, so is God's faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust in God's unwavering commitment to His word.

The Assurance of God's Promises
The verse reassures us that God's promises to Israel are secure. This serves as a reminder that God's promises to us are equally steadfast.

The Importance of Covenant
Understanding the concept of covenant helps us grasp the depth of God's relationship with His people. It is a binding agreement that God will not break.

Hope in Restoration
For Israel, this verse is a promise of restoration and continuity. For Christians, it is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ for spiritual restoration.

Faithfulness in Our Lives
As God is faithful to His promises, we are called to reflect His faithfulness in our relationships and commitments.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of a "fixed order" in Jeremiah 31:36 help us understand God's faithfulness in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the assurance of Israel's continued existence as a nation before God encourage us in our personal faith journey?

3. How can we apply the understanding of God's covenant with Israel to our relationship with God through Jesus Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate faithfulness in our commitments, reflecting God's faithfulness to His promises?

5. How do the connections between Jeremiah 31:36 and other scriptures, such as Romans 11:1-2, deepen our understanding of God's plan for Israel and the Church?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 8:22
This verse speaks of the enduring nature of the earth's cycles, similar to the "fixed order" mentioned in Jeremiah 31:36, highlighting God's faithfulness in maintaining creation.

Psalm 89:34-37
These verses emphasize God's unbreakable covenant with David, paralleling the assurance given to Israel in Jeremiah 31:36.

Romans 11:1-2
Paul discusses God's continued faithfulness to Israel, affirming that God has not rejected His people, which aligns with the promise in Jeremiah 31:36.
What the Stable Creation TeachesAlexander MaclarenJeremiah 31:36
A New CovenantG. Brooks.Jeremiah 31:31-37
Jeremiah's Prophecy of the New CovenantA. B. Bruce, D. D.Jeremiah 31:31-37
The New CovenantExpository OutlinesJeremiah 31:31-37
The New CovenantCanon Liddon.Jeremiah 31:31-37
The New CovenantG. F. Pentecost, D. D.Jeremiah 31:31-37
The Seed of Israel; Signs of its Everlasting DurationD. Young Jeremiah 31:35-37
People
Gareb, Jacob, Jeremiah, Rachel, Rahel
Places
Corner Gate, Egypt, Gareb, Goah, Horse Gate, Kidron, Ramah, Samaria, Tower of Hananel, Zion
Topics
Affirmation, Broken, Cease, Declares, Decrees, Depart, Departs, Descendants, Fixed, Forever, Nation, Offspring, Order, Ordinances, Says, Seed, Sight, Statutes, Vanish
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 31:31-37

     7135   Israel, people of God

Jeremiah 31:35-36

     4284   sun

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 Scripture

What 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.

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

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