Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Jeremiah 31:3
(3) The Lord hath appeared of old unto me . . .—The Hebrew adverb more commonly refers to distance than to time. From afar the Lord appeared unto me. The thought is that of a deliverer who hears the cry of his people in the distance, and then draws near to help them. Jehovah enthroned in Zion, or in the heaven of heavens, hears the cry of the exiles by the waters of Babylon or Nineveh.Therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.—Some translators render I have preserved (or respited) thee,... read more
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 31:1-40
1-22. Jeremiah speaks of the restoration first of Israel (Ephraim, Jeremiah 31:2-22), then of Judah (Jeremiah 31:23.). Those who survive the sufferings of the captivity are promised a safe journey home. The words, ’found grace in the wilderness’ (Jeremiah 31:2) are probably an allusion to the journey from Egypt under Moses, which was thus a prophecy to the captive Israelites of the return from Assyria.3. In this v. the people are the speakers.4. Tabrets] tambourines. 5. Shall eat them as common... read more