Jeremiah 30
Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ 

The Restoration of Israel and Judah
(Ezekiel 28:25–26)

1This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you. 3For behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will restore from captivitya My people Israel and Judah, declares the LORD. I will restore them to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they will possess it.’”

4These are the words that the LORD spoke concerning Israel and Judah. 5Yes, this is what the LORD says:

“A cry of panic is heard—

a cry of terror, not of peace.

6Ask now, and see:

Can a male give birth?

Why then do I see every man

with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor

and every face turned pale?

7How awful that day will be!

None will be like it!

It is the time of Jacob’s distress,

but he will be saved out of it.

8On that day,

declares the LORD of Hosts,

I will break the yoke off their necks

and tear off their bonds,

and no longer will strangers enslave them.

9Instead, they will serve the LORD their God

and David their king,

whom I will raise up for them.

10As for you, O Jacob My servant, do not be afraid,

declares the LORD,

and do not be dismayed,

O Israel.

For I will surely save you out of a distant place,

your descendants from the land of their captivity!

Jacob will return to quiet and ease,

with no one to make him afraid.

11For I am with you to save you,

declares the LORD.

Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have scattered you,

I will not completely destroy you.

Yet I will discipline you justly,

and will by no means leave you unpunished.”

12For this is what the LORD says:

“Your injury is incurable;

your wound is grievous.

13There is no one to plead your cause,

no remedy for your sores,

no recovery for you.

14All your lovers have forgotten you;

they no longer seek you,

for I have struck you as an enemy would,

with the discipline of someone cruel,

because of your great iniquity

and your numerous sins.

15Why do you cry out over your wound?

Your pain has no cure!

Because of your great iniquity

and your numerous sins

I have done these things to you.

16Nevertheless, all who devour you will be devoured,

and all your adversaries—every one of them—

will go off into exile.

Those who plundered you will be plundered,

and all who raided you will be raided.

17But I will restore your health and heal your wounds,

declares the LORD,

because they call you an outcast,

Zion, for whom no one cares.”

18This is what the LORD says:

“I will restore the fortunes ofb Jacob’s tents

and have compassion on his dwellings.

And the city will be rebuilt on her own ruins,

and the palace will stand in its rightful place.

19Thanksgiving will proceed from them,

a sound of celebration.

I will multiply them, and they will not be decreased;

I will honor them, and they will not be belittled.

20Their children will be as in days of old,

and their congregation will be established before Me;

and I will punish all their oppressors.

21Their leader will be one of their own,

and their ruler will arise from their midst.

And I will bring him near, and he will approach Me,

for who would dare on his own to approach Me?”

declares the LORD.

22“And you will be My people,

and I will be your God.”

23Behold, the storm of the LORD

has gone out with fury,

a whirlwind swirling down

upon the heads of the wicked.

24The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back

until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart.

In the days to come

you will understand this.

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

Bible Hub





Jeremiah 30 Summary
The Restoration of Israel and Judah

Verses 1–3 – Write It Down; Return Is Coming
God tells Jeremiah to write every word on a scroll because, after the present judgment, He “will restore My people Israel and Judah … and bring them back to the land I gave their fathers” (v. 3).

Verses 4–7 – A Day Like No Other
News of “panic, not peace” sweeps the nation. Men double over “like a woman in labor.” Yet even this “time of Jacob’s distress” will end in rescue, for “he will be saved out of it” (v. 7).

Verses 8–9 – The Yoke Broken, A King Raised
The LORD promises to “break his yoke from your neck.” No foreign master will rule them again; instead they will “serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.”

Verses 10–11 – Do Not Fear, I Am with You
Exiles are urged to “fear not.” Though the nations face complete destruction, Israel will be disciplined only “with justice,” never utterly wiped out.

Verses 12–15 – Incurable Wound, Self-Inflicted
Their wound seems hopeless: “There is no one to plead your cause.” All allies abandon them because “your guilt is great and your sins myriad.”

Verses 16–17 – Tables Turned; Healing Promised
Those who devoured Israel will be devoured. The rejected one will be restored, for “I will restore health to you … because they called you an outcast.”

Verses 18–22 – City Rebuilt, Covenant Renewed
Jerusalem rises from the rubble. Joyful songs return, population multiplies, and the LORD causes one of their own to draw near as leader. “You shall be My people, and I will be your God.”

Verses 23–24 – The Storm Finishes Its Work
God’s fierce whirlwind strikes the wicked until its purpose is done. Only “in the latter days you will understand.”


Jeremiah 30 serves as a beacon of hope amid distress, prophesying the divine promise of restoration and renewal for Israel and Judah. This chapter marks a significant shift from the narrative of doom and punishment to the promises of restoration and redemption. Through Jeremiah, God expresses His intent to bring His people back from captivity and restore them to their rightful place, underlining the theme of divine love and mercy.

Historical Setting

• Date: Shortly before or during the early Babylonian exile (late 7th – early 6th century BC).

• Audience: The scattered people of both northern Israel and southern Judah.

• Political backdrop: Nebuchadnezzar’s campaigns left Jerusalem in ruins (2 Kings 25). Chapter 30 interrupts the doom-laden prophecies with hope, launching Jeremiah’s “Book of Consolation” (chs. 30-33).

The Scroll and the Written Word

God’s order, “Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you” (v. 2), underlines the permanence of His promises. It parallels:

Exodus 17:14 – Moses records victory over Amalek.

Habakkuk 2:2 – “Write down the vision … so that a herald may run with it.”

The preservation of Scripture on scrolls allowed Daniel (Daniel 9:2) to read Jeremiah’s seventy-year prophecy while still in Babylon.

Jacob’s Distress and National Survival

Verse 7 coins the phrase “time of Jacob’s distress.” It was first felt in the Babylonian siege, foreshadowed the horrors under Antiochus IV (Daniel 8), and will climax in a future day described by Jesus: “there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning” (Matthew 24:21). Yet in each wave, God keeps a remnant (Isaiah 10:20-22).

Breaking the Yoke

Nebuchadnezzar placed literal yokes on Judah (Jeremiah 27:2). God now promises to shatter them (30:8). The scene mirrors Isaiah 9:4 – “You have shattered the yoke that burdened them.” Ultimately, bondage to sin is also in view, fulfilled in Christ’s declaration, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

“David Their King”

A coming ruler “from among them” (v. 21) links to:

2 Samuel 7:12-16 – the eternal throne of David.

Ezekiel 37:24-25 – “My servant David will be king over them.”

First-layer fulfillment: post-exilic leaders like Zerubbabel (Haggai 2:23). Final fulfillment: Jesus the Messiah, a literal descendant of David (Luke 1:32-33) who will reign when He returns (Revelation 20:4-6).

Covenant Renewal—“My People … Your God”

The classic covenant formula (v. 22) echoes Exodus 6:7. After exile, it resurfaces in Zechariah 8:8. The New Testament applies it to believers from every nation (2 Corinthians 6:16) while still reserving a future national restoration for Israel (Romans 11:25-27).

Archaeological Footprints

• Babylonian ration tablets bear Jehoiachin’s name, confirming royal captives (cf. 2 Kings 25:27-30).

• Bullae (seal impressions) with “Gemariah son of Shaphan” and others match officials in Jeremiah 36, showing the prophet’s circle was real.

• The “Broad Wall” unearthed in Jerusalem demonstrates Hezekiah’s expansion before earlier Assyrian threats, fitting the city’s repeated cycles of siege and rebuilding (v. 18).

Rebuilt City and Joyful Songs

“Palaces will stand” (v. 18). Ezra 6 and Nehemiah 3-6 record early stages. Yet full glory awaits the future “New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven” (Revelation 21:2). The promise bonds earthly Zion with its perfected counterpart.

Divine Discipline versus Destruction

“I will not leave you unpunished” (v. 11) balances mercy with justice. Compare Hebrews 12:6 – “The Lord disciplines the one He loves.” Nations that overstep their commission, however, face total ruin (Obadiah 15-16).

The Whirlwind of the LORD

Verses 23-24 repeat imagery from Jeremiah 23:19-20. God’s storm is not random; it targets rebellion till His plans ripen. Believers today see storms—political, moral, personal—as calls to align with His purpose before the final whirlwind (Revelation 6-19).

From Hopeless Wound to Healing

Sin made the wound “incurable” (v. 12). Yet God reverses it (v. 17). Isaiah 53:5 clarifies how: “By His stripes we are healed.” The ultimate physician is Christ, who still offers healing—spiritual first, physical in the resurrection.

Practical Takeaways

• God writes hope into the darkest chapters of life; keep His promises in plain sight, just as Jeremiah’s scroll preserved them.

• National or personal discipline is painful but purposeful; God always keeps a remnant and a future.

• Real freedom comes only when the Lord breaks every substitute yoke.

• The same Lord who disciplines also restores, heals, and brings songs of thanksgiving.

Connections Snapshot

Jeremiah 30 " Other Scriptures

Command to write " Exodus 17:14; Habakkuk 2:2; Revelation 1:11

Jacob’s distress " Genesis 32:7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21

Broken yoke " Isaiah 9:4; Galatians 5:1

Davidic king " 2 Samuel 7; Ezekiel 37; Luke 1:32-33

Covenant formula " Exodus 6:7; Hebrews 8:10

Storm imagery " Jeremiah 23:19-20; Nahum 1:3

Healing promise " Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24

Connections to Additional Scriptures
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. This verse complements the theme of hope and renewal found in Jeremiah 30.

Hebrews 12:6
For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives. This New Testament passage echoes the theme of God's loving discipline.

Revelation 21:3
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.' This verse connects to the promise of God's presence with His people.
Teaching Points
God's Promise of Restoration
Jeremiah 30:3 states, For behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will restore from captivity My people Israel and Judah, declares the LORD. I will restore them to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they will possess it. This verse highlights God's commitment to restoring His people, emphasizing His faithfulness to His promises.

The Reality of Suffering
Verses 5-7 describe a time of great distress, We have heard a cry of panic, of terror, and no peace. Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, and every face turned pale? This imagery underscores the severity of their suffering, yet it is within this context that God promises deliverance.

God's Discipline and Healing
In verse 11, God says, For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD. Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished. God's discipline is a part of His love, intended to bring about healing and restoration.

The Assurance of God's Presence
Verse 22 reassures, And you will be My people, and I will be your God. This covenant relationship is central to the chapter, reminding us of the intimate relationship God desires with His people.
Practical Applications
Trust in God's Promises
Just as God promised to restore Israel, we can trust that He will fulfill His promises in our lives. Reflect on the promises God has made to you and hold onto them in faith.

Endure Through Trials
Recognize that suffering and discipline are part of the Christian journey. Allow these experiences to draw you closer to God and refine your character.

Seek God's Presence
Cultivate a personal relationship with God, knowing that He desires to be your God and for you to be His people. Spend time in prayer and study of His Word to deepen this relationship.
People
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The primary speaker in Jeremiah 30, Yahweh is the God of Israel who delivers a message of restoration and hope to His people. The Hebrew name used here is יְהוָה (YHWH), which is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature.

2. Jacob
Referring to the patriarch Jacob, this name is often used to represent the nation of Israel as a whole. In Jeremiah 30:7, it is mentioned in the context of "the time of Jacob's trouble," indicating a period of great distress for the nation, but also a promise of deliverance.

3. David
In Jeremiah 30:9, David is mentioned in the context of a future leader or king. The verse speaks of the people serving "the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them." This is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, pointing to a future descendant of David who will reign over Israel.
Places
1. Jacob
While not a geographical location, "Jacob" is often used to refer to the nation of Israel, as Jacob was the patriarch whose descendants became the twelve tribes of Israel. In Jeremiah 30:7, it is mentioned in the context of "the time of Jacob's trouble," indicating a period of great distress for the nation.

2. Zion
This term is used to refer to Jerusalem, particularly in a spiritual or symbolic sense. In Jeremiah 30:17, it is mentioned as a place that will be restored and healed by God. The Hebrew root "צִיּוֹן" (Tziyon) often signifies the city of David and the spiritual heart of Israel.
Events
1. Command to Write the Words
God instructs Jeremiah to write all the words He has spoken in a book.
^"This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.'"^ (Jeremiah 30:1-2)
The Hebrew word for "write" is כָּתַב (katav), emphasizing the importance of recording God's message.

2. Promise of Restoration for Israel and Judah
God promises to restore the fortunes of His people and bring them back to the land.
^"For behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will restore from captivity My people Israel and Judah, says the LORD. I will restore them to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they will possess it."^ (Jeremiah 30:3)
The Hebrew term for "restore from captivity" is שׁוּב (shuv), indicating a return or turning back.

3. Time of Distress and Deliverance
A time of great distress is foretold, but God will save His people.
^"How awful that day will be! None will be like it; it will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it."^ (Jeremiah 30:7)
The phrase "time of trouble" uses the Hebrew word צָרָה (tsarah), meaning distress or affliction.

4. Breaking the Yoke of Oppression
God promises to break the yoke of foreign oppression from His people.
^"On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will break the yoke off their necks and tear off their bonds, and no longer will strangers enslave them."^ (Jeremiah 30:8)
The Hebrew word for "yoke" is עֹל (ol), symbolizing bondage or servitude.

5. Return to Serving the LORD
The people will serve the LORD and David their king.
^"Instead, they will serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them."^ (Jeremiah 30:9)
The reference to "David their king" is often seen as a messianic prophecy, pointing to the future reign of Christ.

6. Fear Not, O Jacob
God reassures Jacob not to fear, promising salvation and security.
^"So do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, do not be dismayed, O Israel, declares the LORD. For I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their captivity."^ (Jeremiah 30:10)
The Hebrew word for "fear" is יָרֵא (yare), indicating reverence or dread.

7. Complete Destruction of Nations
God will make a complete end of the nations where He scattered His people, but not of Israel.
^"For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD. Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you."^ (Jeremiah 30:11)
The Hebrew term for "destroy" is כָּלָה (kalah), meaning to bring to an end or finish.

8. Promise of Healing and Restoration
God promises to heal the wounds of His people and restore them.
^"For I will restore health to you, and heal you of your wounds, declares the LORD, because they have called you an outcast, saying: ‘This is Zion, whom no one cares for.’"^ (Jeremiah 30:17)
The Hebrew word for "heal" is רָפָא (rapha), indicating restoration to health.

9. Rebuilding of the City
The city will be rebuilt on its ruins, and the palace will stand in its rightful place.
^"The city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its rightful place."^ (Jeremiah 30:18)
The Hebrew word for "rebuild" is בָּנָה (banah), meaning to construct or establish.

10. Joy and Thanksgiving
Joy and thanksgiving will be heard, and the population will increase.
^"Thanksgiving will proceed from them, a sound of celebration. I will multiply them, and they will not be decreased; I will honor them, and they will not be belittled."^ (Jeremiah 30:19)
The Hebrew word for "thanksgiving" is תּוֹדָה (todah), often associated with praise and gratitude.

11. Judgment on Oppressors
God will punish all who oppress His people.
^"I will punish all who oppress them."^ (Jeremiah 30:20)
The Hebrew word for "punish" is פָּקַד (paqad), meaning to attend to or visit with judgment.

12. Covenant Relationship Restored
God reaffirms His covenant relationship with His people.
^"You will be My people, and I will be your God."^ (Jeremiah 30:22)
This statement reflects the covenant formula found throughout the Hebrew Scriptures.
Topics
1. Restoration of Israel and Judah
Jeremiah 30 begins with a promise of restoration for Israel and Judah. The Lord declares that He will bring His people back from captivity and restore them to the land He gave their ancestors. This theme of restoration is central to the chapter, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant people. The Hebrew root for "restore" (שׁוּב, shuv) implies a return to a previous state of blessing and favor.

2. The Time of Jacob's Trouble
The chapter describes a period of great distress known as "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7). This phrase indicates a time of intense suffering for the descendants of Jacob (Israel), but it is also a time from which they will ultimately be saved. The Hebrew word for "trouble" (צָרָה, tsarah) conveys a sense of anguish and adversity.

3. The Breaking of the Yoke
God promises to break the yoke of bondage from Israel's neck and tear off their chains (Jeremiah 30:8). This symbolizes liberation from oppression and foreign domination. The imagery of the yoke (עֹל, ol) is significant in the Hebrew context, representing subjugation and servitude.

4. Return to Covenant Relationship
The Lord reaffirms His covenant relationship with His people, declaring that they will serve Him and David their king, whom He will raise up for them (Jeremiah 30:9). This points to a future messianic fulfillment, with "David" symbolizing the ideal king from David's line, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

5. Fear Not, O Jacob
God reassures His people not to fear, for He is with them to save them and will make a full end of all the nations where He has scattered them (Jeremiah 30:10-11). The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) is often used in contexts where God encourages His people to trust in His protection and deliverance.

6. Healing of Wounds
The Lord promises to heal the wounds of His people and restore health to them (Jeremiah 30:17). This healing is both physical and spiritual, signifying a complete restoration. The Hebrew root for "heal" (רָפָא, rapha) is frequently used in the context of divine intervention and restoration.

7. Rebuilding and Joy
The chapter concludes with a vision of rebuilding and joy, where the city will be rebuilt on its ruins, and the palace will stand in its rightful place (Jeremiah 30:18). This rebuilding signifies a renewal of community and worship, with joy and thanksgiving as central themes. The Hebrew word for "rebuild" (בָּנָה, banah) emphasizes the act of constructing anew, often with divine assistance.
Themes
1. Restoration of Israel and Judah
Jeremiah 30:3 speaks of the promise of restoration: "For behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will restore from captivity My people Israel and Judah, declares the LORD. I will restore them to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they will possess it." The Hebrew word for "restore" (שׁוּב, shuv) implies a return to a former state, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

2. Divine Judgment and Deliverance
Verses 5-7 describe a time of distress, often referred to as "Jacob's trouble," but also promise deliverance: "Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it." The theme here is God's judgment followed by His deliverance, highlighting His sovereignty and mercy.

3. Breaking of Oppression
In verse 8, God promises to break the yoke of oppression: "On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will break his yoke from your neck and tear off your chains, and no longer will strangers enslave them." The imagery of breaking the yoke (עֹל, ol) signifies liberation from bondage, reflecting God's power to free His people.

4. Covenant Relationship
Verse 22 emphasizes the renewal of the covenant relationship: "And you will be My people, and I will be your God." This theme underscores the intimate relationship between God and His people, rooted in the Hebrew concept of covenant (בְּרִית, berit).

5. Fear and Security
In verse 10, God reassures His people: "So do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, do not be dismayed, O Israel, for I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their captivity." The theme of fear and security is prevalent, as God promises protection and peace.

6. Healing and Restoration
Verse 17 speaks of healing: "But I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the LORD." The Hebrew word for "heal" (רָפָא, rapha) indicates a complete restoration, both physically and spiritually, reflecting God's compassion and power to renew.

7. Future Hope and Prosperity
The chapter concludes with a vision of future hope and prosperity: "The city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its rightful place" (Jeremiah 30:18). This theme highlights God's plan for a hopeful future, where His people will thrive and flourish.
Answering Tough Questions
1. Jeremiah 30:3 promises the return of all exiled Israelites and Judeans; how do we reconcile this with records showing multiple dispersions and incomplete mass returns?

2. Jeremiah 30:7 describes a period of unparalleled distress for Jacob (Israel); what historical or archaeological evidence supports such a catastrophic event?

3. How does Jeremiah 30:9's prophecy of King David's restoration align with the fact that David was long dead and no successor reclaimed the throne?

4. How does Jeremiah 30:11 align with Israel's ongoing foreign domination and exiles throughout history?

5. Jeremiah 30:17 promises healing and restoration; is there any scientific or documented historical proof of a miraculous national recovery that matches the text’s extraordinary claims?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. How does Jeremiah 30 speak to the overarching theme of God's faithfulness and love?

2. What does God's command to Jeremiah to write the prophecy signify about the importance of this message?

3. Compare the metaphor of 'childbirth' used in this chapter with other instances in the Bible. What does it symbolize?

4. How does the concept of restoration manifest in your personal life?

5. In what ways can the promises of healing and restoration in Jeremiah 30 be applied to modern day situations?

6. How does the promise of a wise leader from David's line foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ?

7. What role does repentance play in the process of healing and restoration in this chapter?

8. How does the depiction of God's wrath balance with His promises of love and restoration?

9. In the face of suffering and turmoil, how can we hold onto hope and trust in God's plan for restoration?

10. How can we apply the lessons from the afflictions and deliverance of Israel and Judah to the challenges faced by modern nations?

11. How can the prophecies of Jeremiah 30 inspire personal growth and renewal?

12. How does this chapter illuminate God's sovereignty and His control over the course of history?

13. How can you draw strength from God's promise to restore health and heal wounds in your current situation?

14. What does the renewal of Israel and Judah teach us about God's intentions for His people?

15. In what ways can you contribute to the 'restoration' in your community, drawing from the principles in Jeremiah 30?

16. How do you reconcile the image of a punishing God with that of a healing, restorative God as portrayed in this chapter?

17. How does this chapter impact your understanding of the concept of divine justice?

18. How does the prophecy of Jeremiah provide reassurance in the face of today's global crises?

19. What steps can you take to actively trust in God's sovereignty during personal hardships?

20. How can Jeremiah 30 inspire a renewal of faith and commitment in your personal spiritual journey?



Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions


Jeremiah 29
Top of Page
Top of Page