Jeremias 33

Jeremias 33

Spurgeon says "Behold is a word of wonder; it is intended to excite admiration. Wherever you see it hung out in Scripture, it is like an ancient sign-board, signifying that there are rich wares within, or like the hands which solid readers have observed in the margin of the older Puritanic books, drawing attention to something particularly worthy of observation." I would add, behold is like a divine highlighter, a divine underlining of an especially striking or important text. It says in effect "Listen up, all ye who would be wise in the ways of Jehovah!" I will - Seven "I will" statements in Jeremiah 33:6-8. The omnipotence of God guarantees that every one of Jehovah's promises will be fulfilled! As Joshua in his dying words reminded Israel - "Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed." (Joshua 23:14) It - This refers to Jerusalem ("the city" Jer 33:5) which is personified as Jehovah speaks of her political and spiritual well being in this passage and those that follow. NET Note adds "Compare Jer 30:17-note. Jerusalem is again being personified and her political and spiritual well-being are again in view." Them - Notice the subtle shift from "it" to "them." Who is them? In context (Jer 33:5 = "their") this is clearly God's Chosen People. The NIV paraphrases "them" in this verse as "My people." Jehovah is addressing the Jewish people who are still (even today, February 29, 2016) His Chosen (albeit still largely unregenerate) People! He has not forsaken them (see Jer 33:20-22). Health and healing - Considering that this promise is directed to the city, a city of the verge of destruction and death, the promise is that Jehovah would bring physical health and healing. The destroyed city would one day be repaired. The NET Bible translation has "I will most surely heal the wounds of this city and restore it."