In Jeremiah, chapter thirty, verses one through twenty-four, Jeremiah’s prophecies in these theme verses encompass the near-at-hand restoration of the people of God from the Babylonian exile and the far-distant events related to the Messiah at the end of the age, when Christ will reign over His people. Jeremiah assures the godly people who were facing an apparently hopeless future that God’s chosen people would not become extinct; a remnant would remain through whom God would accomplish His will for the world.
In verse three, Jeremiah had good news for the exiles-the promise of restoration and repossession of their homeland. The promise was made to both the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). From the exiles who had been displaced and refined by their experience of deportation would come God’s remnant, who would in turn give hope to all humankind.
In verse seven, the verses that follow the phrase “the time of Jacob’s trouble” indicate that Jeremiah is speaking of the future tribulation for the people of God. From this time of great trouble, a remnant of Israel would be saved; they would be freed from their oppressors to serve God and the Messiah. Jacob’s trouble would end at the appearing of Christ to establish His kingdom on earth.
In verses nine to ten, the person whom the people will serve is Jesus the Messiah, the descendant of David. “Jacob” refers to a righteous remnant from both Israel and Judah; they will live in peace and security, and the nations that opposed God and persecuted those serving Him will be destroyed.
In verse twenty-one, Jesus Christ is ultimately the new ruler who will lead the people of God. And He will have intimate access to God; therefore, He will have a priestly ministry, resulting in the nation’s restoration.