July 9

Introduction

Jeremiah 30:1–11: The Jewish exiles in Babylon are experiencing deep suffering, but the LORD will free them from “the yoke that is around their neck” and “remove their chains.” Then the people will be able to serve the LORD again in their own land, and God promises that their new ruler will be a descendant of David.

Today’s Key Verse: Jeremiah 30:3a

[The LORD said:] “The time is coming when I will restore my people, Israel and Judah. I will bring them back to the land that I gave their ancestors.”

Reading

30 The Lord, the God of Israel, said to me, “Write down in a book everything that I have told you, because the time is coming when I will restore my people, Israel and Judah. I will bring them back to the land that I gave their ancestors, and they will take possession of it again. I, the Lord, have spoken.”

The Lord says to the people of Israel and Judah,

“I heard a cry of terror,
    a cry of fear and not of peace.
Now stop and think!
    Can a man give birth to a child?
Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach
    like a woman in labor?
    Why is everyone so pale?
A terrible day is coming;
    no other day can compare with it—
    a time of distress for my people,
    but they will survive.”

The Lord Almighty says, “When that day comes, I will break the yoke that is around their neck and remove their chains, and they will no longer be the slaves of foreigners. Instead, they will serve me, the Lord their God, and a descendant of David, whom I will enthrone as king.

10 “My people, do not be afraid;
    people of Israel, do not be terrified.
I will rescue you from that faraway land,
    from the land where you are prisoners.
You will come back home and live in peace;
    you will be secure, and no one will make you afraid.
11 I will come to you and save you.
I will destroy all the nations
    where I have scattered you,
    but I will not destroy you.
I will not let you go unpunished;
    but when I punish you, I will be fair.
I, the Lord, have spoken.”

Reflect

In today’s reading, the people of Israel and Judah are told to expect to be rescued—but also that they will not go unpunished (verses 10–11). What words of assurance are given in these verses? Verses 4–7 describe a time of distress for Israel and Judah that will signal the completion of God’s judgment. What is promised after that in verses 8 and 9?

Pray

Almighty and faithful God, I come before you with a humble heart, seeking your mercy and forgiveness for my wrongdoings. Help me to be a channel of your grace and love to everyone I encounter today. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Jeremiah 30:12–24: The LORD will heal Israel and Judah.