Jer 31:31-34 | JFB | STEP | 31. the days ... new covenant with ... Israel ... Judah-- The new covenant is made with literal Israel and Judah, not with the spiritual Israel, that is, believers, except secondarily, and as grafted on the stock of Israel ( ). For the whole subject of the thirtieth and thirty-first chapters is the restoration of the Hebrews ( , , ; , , , 27, 36). With the "remnant according to the election of grace" in Israel, the new covenant has already taken effect. But with regard to the whole nation, its realization is reserved for the last days, to which Paul refers this prophecy in an abridged form ( ).

‏ Jeremiah 31:31-34

31. the days ... new covenant with ... Israel ... Judah--The new covenant is made with literal Israel and Judah, not with the spiritual Israel, that is, believers, except secondarily, and as grafted on the stock of Israel (Ro 11:16-27). For the whole subject of the thirtieth and thirty-first chapters is the restoration of the Hebrews (Jr 30:4, 7, 10, 18; 31:7, 10, 11, 23, 24, 27, 36). With the "remnant according to the election of grace" in Israel, the new covenant has already taken effect. But with regard to the whole nation, its realization is reserved for the last days, to which Paul refers this prophecy in an abridged form (Ro 11:27).

32. Not ... the covenant that I made with ... fathers--the Old Testament covenant, as contrasted with our gospel covenant (He 8:8-12; 10:16, 17, where this prophecy is quoted to prove the abrogation of the law by the gospel), of which the distinguishing features are its securing by an adequate atonement the forgiveness of sins, and by the inworking of effectual grace ensuring permanent obedience. An earnest of this is given partially in the present eclectic or elect Church gathered out of Jews and Gentiles. But the promise here to Israel in the last days is national and universal, and effected by an extraordinary outpouring of the Spirit (Jr 31:33, 34; Eze 11:17-20), independent of any merit on their part (Eze 36:25-32; 37:1-28; 39:29; Joe 2:23-28; Zec 12:10; 2Co 3:16).

took ... by ... hand--(De 1:31; Ho 11:3).

although I was an husband--(compare Jr 3:14; Ho 2:7, 8). But the Septuagint, Syriac, and St. Paul (He 8:9) translate, "I regarded them not"; and Gesenius, &c., justify this rendering of the Hebrew from the Arabic. The Hebrews regarded not God, so God regarded them not.

33. will be their God--(Jr 32:38).

34. True, specially of Israel (Is 54:13); secondarily, true of believers (Joh 6:45; 1Co 2:10; 1Jo 2:20).

forgive ... iniquity ... remember ... no more--(Jr 33:8; 50:20; Mi 7:18); applying peculiarly to Israel (Ro 11:27). Secondarily, all believers (Ac 10:43).