Verse of the Day (February 24, 2020)

Verse of the Day (February 24, 2020) #BMSeminary – This beautiful passage is an affirmation that the covenant has not been totally revoked. God would fulfill His Deuteronomic agreement with His people after this period of judgment (cf. Deuteronomy 27-28, 30; Leviticus 26). The emphasis here is that His people must return to Him. Only a spiritually renewed remnant will return and be blessed. Notice the conditions of blessing. (1) you call upon Me; (2) come to Me, cf. Jer 33:3; Isa 55:6; (3) pray to Me; (4) seek me, cf. Deu 4:29; (5)search for Me with all your heart, cf. Deu 4:29; Jer 24:7. All of these denote a worship experience that has become a lifestyle relationship. Notice how YHWH responds (possible allusion to Deu 30:3-5). (1) I will listen to you, Jer 29:12, cf. Jer 33:3; (2)you will find Me, Jer 29:13, cf. Deu 4:29; (3) I will be found by you, Jer 29:14; (4) I will restore your fortunes (term often used of repenting); (5) I will gather you from all the nations, cf. Jer 23:3; Jer 31:8; (6) I will bring you back (i.e., to Palestine). The PRONOUN “I” (אנכי, BDB 59) is repeated twice for emphasis. YHWH will bring about His plans and purposes for His people. YHWH’s plan of restoration is clarified: (1) for welfare; (2)not for calamity (such a common word in Jeremiah); (3)give you a future – the people’s existence, posterity, cf. Pro 23:18; esp. Pro 24:14; (4)give you a hope, cf. Pro 23:18; Pro 24:14; Eze 37:11. (You Can Understand the Bible by Dr. Bob Utley)