Jeremiah 31:37

37 This is what the LORD says: Only if the heavens could be measured or the foundations of the earth could be searched, would I ever reject all of Israel's descendants because of everything that they have done, declares the LORD.

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 The LORD provides the sun to be a light during the day. He orders the moon and stars to be lights during the night. He stirs up the sea so that its waves roar. His name is the LORD of Armies. This is what the LORD says:
36 Only if these laws stop working, declares the LORD, will Israel's descendants stop being a nation in my presence.
37 This is what the LORD says: Only if the heavens could be measured or the foundations of the earth could be searched, would I ever reject all of Israel's descendants because of everything that they have done, declares the LORD.
38 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when the city will be rebuilt for me from the Tower of Hananel to Corner Gate.
39 A measuring line will stretch from there straight to the Hill of Gareb, and then it will turn to Goah.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.