The Israelites are once again facing a loss of hope and despair, when Jeremiah brings a startling message of hope from God. There will be a time when the children of Israel are gathered again in the land of promise. They will return to Jerusalem. God will take the remnant and begin anew.
Jeremiah 31:31-34 explains how the restored Israel will be new and different according to God's redesign of the covenant and its people. God promises to "make a new convenant" (v. 31) with the whole people, both Israel and Judah. It will be unlike the convenant made at Sianai, which the people broke, even though God was their "husband". The law, previously written on stone tablets, will be inscribed "on their hearts" (v. 33) - the people will be faithful. God will forgive them for their iniquities and forget all the deviations from the way of the Lord. This agreement will last forever; Jerusalem's best days are in the future, thanks to the promises and providence of God (vv. 36-40).
