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Week 21. Day 1. Jeremiah 30-32.

Introduction to second half of Jeremiah

The first 29 chapters of Jeremiah have largely focussed on judgment, but in 30:1-3 the focus turns to comfort and hope. Chapters 30-33 (Jeremiah’s ‘book of consolation’) are well worth reading slowly, even if you move more quickly through the rest of the prophecy, as Ch 30-33 showcase the glories of the new covenant. God is a God of relationship, and he wants relationship with his people, which is what all the covenants are about. A covenant is a formalised relationship, much like a marriage. But the first half of Jeremiah has shown that the people have been unfaithful: they have forsaken God and broken his covenant. Rather than casting them off forever, God promises a new covenant. The Old Covenant was a good and gracious covenant, but the problem was the people’s hearts. The new covenant, therefore, will need to go deeper than the Old Covenant, and give the people a new heart.

Jeremiah 30-32.

Jer 30-33 The New Covenant

Because this section is so important and glorious, we’ll move more slowly, picking up ch33 in tomorrow’s reading.

Jer 30:3 ‘Days are coming’/ ‘In the latter days’ – the prophets use this term to speak of the future when God will restore all things.

What is the main promise of hope in chapter 30? (e.g. v3, 10, 18)

Note also the key covenant formula in v22:

So you will be my people,
and I will be your God.

If you have time, you may wish to remind yourself of similar covenant passages in Scripture, and maybe underline them in the same colour in your Bible, to help you spot this important theme as you read.

(e.g. Gen 17:6-8; Ex 20:2, 29:45-6; Lev 11:45; Jer 32:38; Ezk 11:20, 34:30-3, 36:28; 2 Cor. 6:16-18; Rev. 21:2)

31:3 What is the ultimate reason for these promises of hope?

31:14 What is the ultimate blessing of the covenant?

31:31-34 Most important passage in Jeremiah (quoted in Heb 9&10): The promise of new covenant. What are its key distinctives?

(there is a summary table in the day 6 reflection, but have a think on your own first)

32:36-44 – promise of the everlasting covenant. How is this similar to previous covenant passages in scripture?