But
this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says Yahweh: I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their heart. I will be their God, and they shall be my people. They will no longer each teach his neighbor and every man teach his brother, saying, 'Know Yahweh,' for they will all know me, from their least to their greatest," says Yahweh. "For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more.
Jeremiah 31:33-34
Jeremiah 31 [30.] But everyone shall die for his own iniquity: every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge. Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was a husband to them, says Yahweh. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says Yahweh: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people: and they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yahweh; for they shall all know me, from their least to their greatest, says Yahweh: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more.
Jeremiah 31 [35.] Yahweh, who gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who stirs up the sea, so that its waves roar; Yahweh of Armies is his name, says: If these ordinances depart from before me, says Yahweh, then the offspring[a] of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me forever.
Meaning:
- Key Themes:
The Promise of a New Covenant: These verses mark a pivotal moment in the prophetic narrative, announcing the advent of a new covenant. Unlike the previous covenant written on stone tablets, this covenant is deeply personal, internalized within the hearts of God's people.
Internal Transformation: The imagery of God putting His law in the inward parts and writing it on their hearts signifies a profound internal transformation. It speaks to a spiritual metamorphosis where obedience to God's commands becomes intrinsic and heartfelt.
Intimate Relationship: The declaration, "I will be their God, and they shall be my people," emphasizes the intimate and reciprocal nature of the relationship between God and His people. It echoes the covenantal language of mutual belonging and devotion.
Universal Knowledge of God: The assurance that "they will all know me, from their least to their greatest" speaks of a universal knowledge of God. It transcends societal hierarchies, and every individual within the covenant community is envisioned to have a personal and intimate knowledge of Yahweh.
Forgiveness and Forgetfulness: The closing promise of forgiveness and God's decision to remember their sin no more speaks to the depth of divine mercy. It anticipates a restoration where the burden of sin is lifted, and reconciliation is achieved through divine grace.
- Significance:
Transformation Through Relationship: Jeremiah 31:33-34 highlights the relational aspect of the new covenant. It's not merely about adhering to external laws but experiencing a transformative relationship with God that reshapes the inner being.
Universal Access to Knowledge: The promise that all, from the least to the greatest, will know God underscores the democratization of spiritual knowledge. It anticipates a community where every individual has direct access to God's revelation.
Relevance Today:
Personalized Faith: In a contemporary context, these verses remind believers of the personalized nature of their faith. It calls for a Christianity that goes beyond external rituals to a deep, internalized commitment to God's ways.
Community and Equality: The vision of universal knowledge of God challenges hierarchical structures within religious communities. It emphasizes equality in access to divine understanding, fostering a sense of community where each member is empowered in their relationship with God.
Cross-References:
Hebrews 8:10: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel. After those days," says the Lord, "I will put my laws into their mind, I will also write them on their heart. I will be their God, and they will be my people." The author of Hebrews quotes and affirms the new covenant foretold by Jeremiah.
Hebrews 10:16: "This is the covenant that I will make with them: 'After those days,' says the Lord, 'I will put my laws on their heart, I will also write them on their mind.'" Another reference in Hebrews reiterates the internalization of God's laws.
In Conclusion: Jeremiah 31:33-34 unveils a vision of a transformed, intimate relationship with God through a new covenant. It paints a picture of hearts inscribed with divine laws, universal knowledge of God, and the gracious forgiveness that underpins this covenantal bond.