.31:1-22.

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The people return home (Jer 31:1-22)

God has not forgotten any of his people who have been driven into a harsh existence in distant countries. Those of both the northern kingdom Israel and the southern kingdom Judah will share in the restoration to the land of their ancestors (Jer 31:1-3).

They will be reunited in a land of renewed contentment and prosperity. They will join again in the national religious festivals at Jerusalem (Jer 31:4-6).

The prophet pictures the joyous journey back to Palestine. Even the blind and the lame join in the long trek back, because God strengthens them and supplies their needs along the way. He cares for them as a father cares for his firstborn son (Jer 31:7-9).

The God who scattered his people in many lands now gathers them. He releases them from the power of those who have held them captive (Jer 31:10-11).

God will protect and care for his people, giving them agricultural prosperity, social contentment and religious satisfaction (Jer 31:12-14).

When the people go into captivity there is weeping and mourning (Jer 31:15), but God wants this to be replaced with rejoicing and hope (Jer 31:16-17).

First, however, the people must acknowledge that they have sinned and that God has acted justly in punishing them. They pray to God in an attitude of humble repentance (Jer 31:18-19), and God, as their loving and merciful Father, forgives them (Jer 31:20).

In view of their expected return, the prophet suggests that when the people go into captivity, they leave markers along the way. This will enable them to know the pathway back to their homeland. Although the nation goes into captivity as an unfaithful daughter, she will be cleansed and will return as a pure bride. God is going to reverse the normal course of events; he is going to create something new (Jer 31:21-22).