What does "rejoice in doing them good" reveal about God's character? Setting the Scene Jeremiah 32:41: “I will rejoice in doing them good and will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and soul.” Spoken to Judah in exile, these words follow God’s promise of a new covenant (32:38-40). Even after judging sin, He vows to regather His people and pour out blessing—revealing the kind of God He is. God Delights in Blessing • “I will rejoice in doing them good” shows that goodness is not a reluctant duty for God; it is His pleasure. • Deuteronomy 30:9 echoes this: “The LORD will once again delight in your prosperity.” • God’s joy in blessing underscores His generous, giving nature (James 1:17). His Love Is Both Volitional and Emotional • “With all My heart and soul” combines deliberate choice with genuine feeling. • Zephaniah 3:17 portrays the same warmth: “He will rejoice over you with singing.” • The Lord’s affection is not cold benevolence; it is a heartfelt passion. Covenant Faithfulness and Permanence • The promise comes after Israel’s failure, proving His goodness rests on His own covenant loyalty, not their merit. • Romans 8:32 affirms this wider principle: If He gave His Son, He will freely give “all things.” Goodness Flowing from Unchanging Character • Psalm 147:11: “The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.” • Because His character never shifts, His commitment to do good never wavers—“with whom there is no change or shifting shadow” (James 1:17). Our Response to His Joyful Goodness • Trust His intentions: Even discipline aims at restoration and future blessing. • Receive His gifts with gratitude, not suspicion. • Reflect His character by taking joy in doing good to others (Ephesians 5:1-2). “Rejoice in doing them good” unveils a God who not only does good but takes delight in it, binding His own heart and soul to the welfare of His people forever. |
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