24. Judah . . . cities . . . husbandmen . . . they with flocks—Two classes, citizens and countrymen, the latter divided into agriculturists and shepherds, all alike in security, though the latter were to be outside the protection of city walls. "Judah" here stands for the country, as distinguished from its cities. read more
25. The "weary, sorrowful," and indigent state of Israel will prove no obstacle in the way of My helping them. read more
26. The words of Jeremiah: Upon this (or, By reason of this) announcement of a happy restoration, "I awaked" from the prophetic dream vouchsafed to me (Jeremiah 23:25) with the "sweet" impression thereof remaining on my mind. "Sleep" here means dream, as in Jeremiah 23:25- :. read more
Instead of Judah being a target for cursing in the future, as she became because of the Babylonian exile, she would be a subject of blessing. She would become a place where righteousness dwelt, a holy hill. read more
The regathering of Judah 31:23-26 read more
Judah would experience great unity at that time because the Lord would satisfy the previously weary residents and refresh those who formerly languished. read more
Jeremiah awoke from the sleep in which he had received this encouraging revelation from the Lord-feeling revitalized. The revelation was positive, and it encouraged him. Perhaps since sleep is often symbolic of death (cf. Job 14:12; et al.), Jeremiah here may also represent Judah awakening to new life. [Note: Ibid., p. 129.] ". . . this prophecy is the only one in the whole book which contains unmixed comfort, and that it is thus easy to explain why he [Jeremiah] could never forget that moment... read more
1-22. Jeremiah speaks of the restoration first of Israel (Ephraim, Jeremiah 31:2-22), then of Judah (Jeremiah 31:23.). Those who survive the sufferings of the captivity are promised a safe journey home. The words, ’found grace in the wilderness’ (Jeremiah 31:2) are probably an allusion to the journey from Egypt under Moses, which was thus a prophecy to the captive Israelites of the return from Assyria.3. In this v. the people are the speakers.4. Tabrets] tambourines. 5. Shall eat them as common... read more
(23) As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah . . .—Better, Once more, or yet again. The phrase is the same as in Jeremiah 31:5. The eye of the prophet turns from the northern kingdom to that of Judah, and sees it also as a sharer in the restoration. Jerusalem should be blest, and be worthy of blessing—once more a faithful city, a holy mountain, righteousness dwelling in it (Isaiah 1:21). The “holy mountain” is used with a special reference to Moriah and the Temple. read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 31:23
23. Jerusalem again shall be the metropolis of the whole nation, the seat of "justice" (Psalms 122:5-8; Isaiah 1:26), and of sacred worship ("holiness," Isaiah 1:26- :) on "Mount" Moriah. read more