July 11

Introduction

Jeremiah 31:1–14: Israel was made up of twelve tribes named for the sons of Jacob. After King Solomon died, the ten northern tribes formed their own kingdom (Israel), while the two southern tribes formed the kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah envisions a time when the LORD will rebuild Israel, the people will return to their own land, and all twelve tribes will be restored as one nation.

Today’s Key Verse: Jeremiah 31:1

The LORD says, “The time is coming when I will be the God of all the tribes of Israel, and they will be my people.”

Reading

31 The Lord says, “The time is coming when I will be the God of all the tribes of Israel, and they will be my people. ² In the desert I showed mercy to those people who had escaped death. When the people of Israel longed for rest, ³ I appeared to them from far away. People of Israel, I have always loved you, so I continue to show you my constant love. ⁴ Once again I will rebuild you. Once again you will take up your tambourines and dance joyfully. ⁵ Once again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria, and those who plant them will eat what the vineyards produce. ⁶ Yes, the time is coming when sentries will call out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Let’s go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.’”

⁷ The Lord says,

“Sing with joy for Israel,
    the greatest of the nations.
Sing your song of praise,
    ‘The Lord has saved his people;
    he has rescued all who are left.’
⁸ I will bring them from the north
    and gather them from the ends of the earth.
The blind and the lame will come with them,
    pregnant women and those about to give birth.
They will come back a great nation.
⁹ My people will return weeping,
    praying as I lead them back.
I will guide them to streams of water,
    on a smooth road where they will not stumble.
I am like a father to Israel,
    and Ephraim is my oldest son.”

¹⁰ The Lord says,

“Nations, listen to me
    and proclaim my words on the far-off shores.
I scattered my people, but I will gather them
    and guard them as a shepherd guards his flock.
¹¹ I have set Israel’s people free
    and have saved them from a mighty nation.
¹² They will come and sing for joy on Mount Zion
    and be delighted with my gifts—
    gifts of grain and wine and olive oil,
    gifts of sheep and cattle.
They will be like a well-watered garden;
    they will have everything they need.
¹³ Then the young women will dance and be happy,
    and men, young and old, will rejoice.
I will comfort them and turn their mourning into joy,
    their sorrow into gladness.
¹⁴ I will fill the priests with the richest food
    and satisfy all the needs of my people.
I, the Lord, have spoken.”

Reflect

Reread verses 1–6. In what ways has God demonstrated his constant love for the people of Israel? Reread verses 7–14. How is the homecoming and the restored nation envisioned? In what ways have you experienced God’s constant love?

Pray

I rejoice, Lord, that you alone are my God. I sing and dance for joy because of your steadfast love! You comfort me and are able to turn mourning into joy and sorrow into gladness. May my worship always give honor and glory to you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Jeremiah 31:15–22: The LORD is merciful to Israel.