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Jeremiah 31:2

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 31:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Thus saith Jehovah, The people that were left of the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Thus saith Jehovah, The people that were left of the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.
Jeremiah 31:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 31

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1At that time, saith Jehovah, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
2Thus saith Jehovah, The people that were left of the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.
3Jehovah appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
4Again will I build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: again shalt thou be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.
5Again shalt thou plant vineyards upon the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy [the fruit thereof].
← Jeremiah 31:1Jeremiah 31:3 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thus saith the Lord, the people [which were] left of the sword, etc.] Which were not consumed by the sword of Pharaoh, who perished not through his cruel edicts, and by his sword, when drawn at the Red sea; nor by the sword of the Amalekites and Amorites; or of their own brethren, who sometimes, for their sins, were ordered to slay many, as on account of the molten calf, and joining to Baalpeor: but there was a remnant that escaped, who found grace in the wilderness; in the sight of God, who went before them, protected and defended them from their enemies; gave them his holy law, his statutes, and his judgments; fed them with manna and quails; clave the rocks, and gave them water to drink;…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Upon the grace manifested to Israel "in the wilderness" God grounds His argument for renewing His favors to them now in their exile; because His covenant is "everlasting" (Jer 31:3), and changes not. The same argument occurs in Hos 13:5, Hos 13:9-10; Hos 14:4-5, Hos 14:8. Babylon is fitly compared to the "wilderness," as in both alike Israel was as a stranger far from his appointed "rest" or home, and Babylon is in Isa 40:3 called a "desert" (compare Jer 50:12). I went to cause him to rest--namely, in the pillar of cloud and fire, the symbol of God's presence, which went before Israel to search a resting-place (Num 10:33; Isa 63:14) for the people, both a temporary one at each halt in the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The people which were left of the sword - A promise of the restoration of the ten tribes to their land. The wilderness - Either the desert which lay between Assyria and Palestine; or more probably an allusion to the wilderness of Mount Sinai. Found grace ... rest - Rather, “shall certainly find grace; I will go to give Israel rest. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“To rest - In Canaan. Jeremiah 31:5”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“31:2 The Lord directed his message to those who would survive the coming destruction at the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“The people: Exo 1:16, Exo 1:22, Exo 2:23, Exo 5:21, Exo 12:37, Exo 14:8-12, Exo 15:9, Exo 15:10, Exo 17:8-13 found: Jer 2:2; Deu 1:30, Deu 1:33, Deu 2:7, Deu 8:2, Deu 8:3, Deu 8:16; Neh 9:12-15; Psa 78:14-16, Psa 78:23-29, Psa 78:52; Psa 105:37-43, Psa 136:16-24; Isa 63:7-14; Eze 20:14-17 when: Num 10:33; Deu 12:9; Psa 95:11; Isa 63:14; Mat 11:28; Heb 4:8, Heb 4:9 Jeremiah 31:3”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification