What is the meaning of Jeremiah 31:7?

For this is what the LORD says:

“For this is what the LORD says” (Jeremiah 31:7a)

• The verse opens with God’s own authority, reminding us that every word is His revelation (Jeremiah 1:4-9; Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 3:16).

• Because the speaker is the LORD, the coming promises are certain, not wishful thinking (Numbers 23:19; Psalm 33:11).

• God’s initiative underscores His covenant faithfulness to the people He chose (Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:31-34).

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Sing with joy for Jacob;

“Sing with joy for Jacob” (Jeremiah 31:7b)

• Jacob represents the entire covenant nation (Genesis 35:10-12).

• Joyful singing is the natural response to God’s redemption (Psalm 95:1-3; Isaiah 49:13).

• Even while Judah was facing exile, God called for celebration because He foresaw restoration (Jeremiah 30:18-19; Zephaniah 3:14-17).

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Shout for the foremost of the nations!

“shout for the foremost of the nations!” (Jeremiah 31:7c)

• Israel is called “foremost” because the LORD set her apart to display His glory (Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Deuteronomy 26:19).

• The shout is public and loud, declaring to every nation that God’s purposes for Israel stand (Isaiah 62:1-2; Micah 4:1-2).

• Though humiliated among the nations for a season, Israel’s ultimate exaltation is guaranteed (Jeremiah 30:11; Amos 9:15).

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Make your praises heard,

“Make your praises heard,” (Jeremiah 31:7d)

• Praise is meant to be vocal and contagious, stirring faith in others (Psalm 34:1-3; Psalm 96:2-3).

• The call to praise while still in trial trains the heart to trust God’s promises (Habakkuk 3:17-19; Acts 16:25-26).

• Worship is not optional; it is commanded because God is worthy and because praise ushers in hope (Psalm 100; 1 Peter 2:9).

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and say, ‘O LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!’

“and say, ‘O LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!’” (Jeremiah 31:7e)

• The remnant theme highlights God’s mercy—He always preserves a faithful core (Isaiah 10:20-22; Jeremiah 23:3).

• Salvation here is both physical (return from exile) and spiritual (renewed hearts), anticipating the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:24-27).

• The plea “save” confesses total dependence on the LORD, echoing earlier prayers of deliverance (Psalm 80:3; Joel 2:32).

• Paul draws on this remnant concept to explain God’s ongoing plan for Israel (Romans 11:5, 26-27).

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summary

Jeremiah 31:7 calls God’s people to lift their voices in confident, public praise even before the promised restoration fully appears. The LORD Himself directs the celebration, affirms Israel’s privileged status among the nations, and invites a heartfelt plea for the salvation of the faithful remnant. Because the word originates with God, the restoration of Israel—physical and spiritual—is certain, and joyful worship is the fitting response.