July 10

Introduction

Jeremiah 30:12–24: Because the people of Israel and Judah disobeyed the LORD, the promises made to their ancestors were endangered. But the LORD will renew these promises in the future, promises that include reclaiming the land and having many children. Songs of praise and shouts of joy will mark this time of restoration.

Today’s Key Verse: Jeremiah 30:18a

The LORD says, “I will restore my people to their land and have mercy on every family.”

Reading

¹² The Lord says to his people,

“Your wounds are incurable,
    your injuries cannot be healed.
¹³ There is no one to take care of you,
    no remedy for your sores,
    no hope of healing for you.
¹⁴ All your lovers have forgotten you;
    they no longer care about you.
I have attacked you like an enemy;
    your punishment has been harsh
    because your sins are many
    and your wickedness is great.
¹⁵ Complain no more about your injuries;
    there is no cure for you.
I punished you like this
    because your sins are many
    and your wickedness is great.
¹⁶ But now, all who devour you will be devoured,
    and all your enemies will be taken away as prisoners.
All who oppress you will be oppressed,
    and all who plunder you will be plundered.
¹⁷ I will make you well again;
    I will heal your wounds,
    though your enemies say,
‘Zion is an outcast;
    no one cares about her.’
I, the Lord, have spoken.”

¹⁸ The Lord says,

“I will restore my people to their land
    and have mercy on every family;
Jerusalem will be rebuilt,
    and its palace restored.
¹⁹ The people who live there will sing praise;
    they will shout for joy.
By my blessing they will increase in numbers;
    my blessing will bring them honor.
²⁰ I will restore the nation’s ancient power
    and establish it firmly again;
    I will punish all who oppress them.
^21-22 Their ruler will come from their own nation,
    their prince from their own people.
He will approach me when I invite him,
    for who would dare come uninvited?
They will be my people,
    and I will be their God.
I, the Lord, have spoken.”

^23-24 The Lord’s anger is a storm, a furious wind that will rage over the heads of the wicked. It will not end until he has done all that he intends to do. In days to come his people will understand this clearly.

Reflect

How is the people’s punishment described (verses 12–15)? Why were they punished? According to verses 16–22, how is the time of restoration described? Reread verses 23–24. What do you think it is that the people “will understand clearly”?

Pray

Merciful God, because of your bountiful blessings, I sing praises to you and shout for joy. May all I do and say this day bring honor and glory to your holy name. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Jeremiah 31:1–14: The prophet Jeremiah foretells of a time when all the tribes of Israel will be restored as one nation.