Jeremiah 30:4-14

4 The Lord spoke this message about the people of Israel and Judah:

5 This is what the Lord said: "We hear people crying from fear. They are afraid; there is no peace.

6 Ask this question, and consider it: A man cannot have a baby. So why do I see every strong man holding his stomach in pain like a woman having a baby? Why is everyone's face turning white like a dead man's face?

7 This will be a terrible day! There will never be another time like this. This is a time of great trouble for the people of Jacob, but they will be saved from it."

8 The Lord All-Powerful says, "At that time I will break the yoke from their necks and tear off the ropes that hold them. Foreign people will never again make my people slaves.

9 They will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will send to them.

10 "So people of Jacob, my servants, don't be afraid. Israel, don't be frightened," says the Lord. "I will soon save you from that faraway place where you are captives. I will save your family from that land. The people of Jacob will be safe and have peace again; there will be no enemy to frighten them.

11 I am with you and will save you," says the Lord. "I will completely destroy all those nations where I scattered you, but I will not completely destroy you. I will punish you fairly, but I will still punish you."

12 This is what the Lord said: "You people have a wound that cannot be cured; your injury will not heal.

13 There is no one to argue your case and no cure for your sores. So you will not be healed.

14 All those nations who were your friends have forgotten you. They don't care about you. I have hurt you as an enemy would. I punished you very hard, because your guilt was so great and your sins were so many.

Jeremiah 30:4-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 30

This chapter contains a prophecy of the call and conversion of the Jews in the latter day; which being a matter of moment and importance, and that it might continue, and be read hereafter, it is ordered to be written in a book, Jer 30:1,2; the thing itself is expressed by a return from captivity to their own land, Jer 30:3; but previous to this there would be most dreadful times, as never were the like, Jer 30:4-7; yet there would be a deliverance from them, and from the yoke of the oppressor; when the Jews should serve the Lord God, and the true Messiah, Jer 30:8,9; of which deliverance and salvation they are assured in the strongest terms, though all other nations should be made an end of, among whom they were, Jer 30:10,11; and though their ease might seem to be desperate, Jer 30:12-17; nevertheless they should be brought into a very comfortable and happy estate; their city rebuilt; their offspring increased; and religious worship established; and, above all, the Messiah should be made known to them as their King and Priest, and they appear to be the Lord's covenant people, Jer 30:18-22; and the chapter is concluded with threatening utter destruction to the wicked, Jer 30:23,24.