Jeremiah 31:32

32. Not . . . the covenant that I made with . . . fathers—the Old Testament covenant, as contrasted with our gospel covenant (Hebrews 8:8-12; Hebrews 10:16; Hebrews 10:17, where this prophecy is quoted to prove the abrogation of the law by the gospel), of which the distinguishing features are its securing by an adequate atonement the forgiveness of sins, and by the inworking of effectual grace ensuring permanent obedience. An earnest of this is given partially in the present eclectic or elect Church gathered out of Jews and Gentiles. But the promise here to Israel in the last days is national and universal, and effected by an extraordinary outpouring of the Spirit (Jeremiah 31:33; Jeremiah 31:34; Ezekiel 11:17-20), independent of any merit on their part (Ezekiel 36:25-32; Ezekiel 37:1-28; Ezekiel 39:29; Joel 2:23-28; Zechariah 12:10; 2 Corinthians 3:16).

took . . . by . . . hand— (Deuteronomy 1:31; Hosea 11:3).

although I was an husband—(compare Jeremiah 3:14; Hosea 2:7; Hosea 2:8). But the Septuagint, Syriac, and St. Paul (Hosea 2:8- :) translate, "I regarded them not"; and GESENIUS, &c., justify this rendering of the Hebrew from the Arabic. The Hebrews regarded not God, so God regarded them not.