Israel and Judah Will Be Reduced
Jeremiah 37, verse 1. The word came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Jeremiah 37, verse 2. “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. Jeremiah 37, verse 3. For behold, the days will come,’ says the Lord, ‘when I will return the captives of My people Israel and Judah,’ says the Lord, ‘and I shall return them to the land I gave to their fathers, and they shall have dominion over it.’” Jeremiah 37, verse 4. Now these are the words the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah, saying, Jeremiah 37, verse 5. “Thus says the Lord: ‘You shall hear a sound of fear. There is fear, and there is not peace. Jeremiah 37, verse 6. Ask and see if a male gives birth, and ask concerning fear in which they shall hold fast their loins and look for safety; for I see every man, and his hands are on his loins. Their faces have turned to paleness. Jeremiah 37, verse 7. For that day is great, and there is no other like it. There is little time for Jacob, and because of this, he will be saved. Jeremiah 37, verse 8. In that day,’ says the Lord, ‘I will break the yoke from their neck and break their chains; and they shall no longer work for foreigners. Jeremiah 37, verse 9. But they shall work for the Lord their God, and I will raise up for them David their king.’ Jeremiah 37, verse 10. “Thus says the Lord: ‘I brought about your destruction. Your blow was painful. Jeremiah 37, verse 11. There was no one to judge your cause. You were painfully treated for healing, but this was no benefit to you. Jeremiah 37, verse 12. All your friends forgot you. They do not ask about you, for I struck you with the blow of your enemy, even firm correction. Your sins have multiplied because of all your wrongdoing. Jeremiah 37, verse 13. Therefore, all who devour you shall be consumed, for all your enemies shall devour themselves. Your sins multiplied because of the abundance of your wrongdoings, thus they did these things to you. But those who tore you to pieces shall be as prey, and I will give all who plundered you as plunder. Jeremiah 37, verse 14. For I will bring about your healing from a painful wound. I will heal you,’ says the Lord. ‘For you were called Dispersed, for they said, “She is your prey, because no one seeks her.’” Jeremiah 37, verse 15. “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will turn back the captivity of Jacob and have mercy upon his captives. The city shall be built upon her summit, and the temple shall remain according to His judgment. Jeremiah 37, verse 16. Singers shall go forth from them. I will multiply them, and they shall not be diminished. Jeremiah 37, verse 17. Their children shall enter as before, and their testimonies shall be established before Me. I will visit those who afflict them. Jeremiah 37, verse 18. His mighty ones shall be over them, and his ruler shall go forth of himself, and I will gather them. They shall return to Me, for who is this who sets his heart to return to Me?’ says the Lord. Jeremiah 37, verse 19. ‘For the wrath of the Lord goes out; a whirlwind of anger goes forth. It shall come against the ungodly. Jeremiah 37, verse 20. The fierce wrath of the Lord will not turn away until He executes it, and until He establishes the undertaking of His heart. In the last days, you will come to know these things.’”