Jeremiah 31:37

37 Thus saith Jehovah: If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off the whole seed of Israel, for all that they have done, saith Jehovah.

Jeremiah 31:37 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 31:37

Thus saith the Lord, if heaven above can be measured
Either the space between the highest heavens and the earth; or the extent of the heavens, from one end of them to the other, which cannot be done by man; so the Targum,

``as it is impossible that man should know the measure of the heavens above;''
otherwise it is measured by the Lord, for he hath "meted out heaven with a span", ( Isaiah 40:12 ) ; and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath:
so as to be known what they are, or on what they are fastened, since the earth is hung upon nothing, ( Job 38:6 ) ( 26:7 ) ; I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have
done, saith the Lord;
as the former cannot be, so neither the latter; when there was a very great rejection of the Jews for their disbelief of the Messiah, they were not all cast off; the Apostle Paul was an instance to the contrary, and so were others: "the remnant according to the election of grace"; and there is a time coming when all Israel shall be saved, ( Romans 11:5 Romans 11:25 Romans 11:26 ) ; nor shall any of the spiritual Israel be cast off by him, or cast away from him, so as to perish; the Israel, whom God foreknew, is chosen, redeemed, and whom he calls by his grace; no, not for all the sins and transgressions they have been guilty of, however they may deserve it. The reasons are, because of his unchangeable love to them; his unalterable covenant with them; the satisfaction his son has made for them; and the free and full pardon of their sins, which he has granted to them.

Jeremiah 31:37 In-Context

35 Thus saith Jehovah, who giveth the sun for light by day, the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for light by night, who stirreth up the sea so that the waves thereof roar, -- Jehovah of hosts is his name:
36 If those ordinances depart from before me, saith Jehovah, the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.
37 Thus saith Jehovah: If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off the whole seed of Israel, for all that they have done, saith Jehovah.
38 Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that the city shall be built to Jehovah, from the tower of Hananeel unto the corner-gate.
39 And the measuring line shall yet go forth before it unto the hill Gareb, and shall turn toward Goath.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.