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Jeremiah 31:3
Verse
Context
Mourning Turned to Joy
2This is what the LORD says: “The people who survived the sword found favor in the wilderness when Israel went to find rest.” 3The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion. 4Again I will build you, and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out in joyful dancing.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Israel gratefully acknowledges in reply God's past grace; but at the same time tacitly implies by the expression "of old," that God does not appear to her now. "God appeared to me of old, but now I am forsaken!" God replies, Nay, I love thee with the same love now as of old. My love was not a momentary impulse, but from "everlasting" in My counsels, and to "everlasting" in its continuance; hence originated the covenant whereby I gratuitously adopted thee (Mal 1:2; Rom 11:28-29). Margin translates, "from afar," which does not answer so well as "of old," to "in the wilderness" (Jer 31:2), which refers to the olden times of Israel's history. with loving kindness . . . drawn-- (Hos 11:4). Rather, "I have drawn out continually My loving kindness toward thee." So Psa 36:10, "Continue (Margin, 'Draw out at length') Thy loving kindness." By virtue of My everlasting love I will still extend My loving kindness to thee. So Isa 44:21, "O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of Me."
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying,.... Either to the prophet, bidding him say to the church what follows, so Jarchi: or to Christ, who was from eternity with the Father; lay in his bosom; between whom the council of peace was; with whom the covenant was made; and whom God loved before the foundation of the world; and which is observed by him, for the comfort of his people, Joh 17:24; so Cocceius; but rather they are the words of Israel, or the church, owning the above instances of God's grace and goodness; and that he had greatly appeared to them, and for them, in former times; but then this was a great while ago; and besides, now he hid his face from them, and they were under the tokens of his displeasure, and not of his love; to which the Lord replies, for the word "saying" is not in the text, which makes the following a continuation of the church's speech, though wrongly; since they are the words of the Lord, taking up the church for speaking too slightly and improperly of his love, and in a complaining way: yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love; not only of old, or a good while ago, but from all eternity, and with a love which will always last, and does, notwithstanding dark and afflictive providences; for this love is like himself, sovereign, unchangeable, and everlasting: "I have loved thee": I, who am the great God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; a God of infinite purity and holiness; do whatever I please in heaven and in earth; and am the Lord that changes not: "have loved"; not love only now, and shall hereafter; but have loved, not for some time past only, but from all eternity, with the same love I now do: "thee" personally, "Jacob, have I loved", Rom 9:13; thee nakedly, and not thine, or for anything done by thee; thee separately and distinctly, and not others; thee a creature, vile and sinful, a transgressor from the womb, and known to be so beforehand; "thee" now openly, and in an applicatory way, through the evidence of the spirit: "with an everlasting love": a love from everlasting, which does not commence in time with faith, repentance, and new obedience; these being the fruits and effects of it; but was from all eternity, as appears from the eternal choice of the persons loved in Christ; from the everlasting covenant made with them in him; from the constitution and setting up of Christ as their Mediator from everlasting; and from the security of their persons and grace in him, before the world began: and this love will endure to everlasting, without any variation or change; nothing can separate from it. The evidence of it follows: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee; out of a state of nature; out of Satan's hands; out of the pit wherein is no water, the horrible pit, the mire and clay; unto Christ, his person, blood, righteousness, and fulness, by faith to lay hold upon them; unto his church, and to a participation of the ordinances and privileges of it; to nearer communion with God, and at last will draw to eternal glory. This is the Father's act, and to him it is usually ascribed: it chiefly regards the work of conversion, and the influence of divine grace on that; though it also includes after acts of drawing: it supposes weakness in men; is the effect of powerful and efficacious grace; and is done without offering any violence or force to the will of man, who is drawn with, and not against, his will. This is an instance of the love of God; a fruit and effect of it: it is love that draws a soul to Christ, and is the cause of its coming to him; it is love that reveals him to it, and causes it to come to him; love is then manifested and shed abroad in the heart; a cord of it is let down into it, and with it the Lord draws; it is not by the threats of the law, but by the declarations of grace in the Gospel; the cause of drawing is love, and the manner of it is with it. The Targum of the whole verse is, "Jerusalem said, of old the Lord appeared to our fathers; prophet, say unto them, lo, I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore have led you with goodness.'' It may be rendered, "I have drawn out", or "extended, lovingkindness to thee" (i); see Psa 36:10. (i) "protraxi tibi misericordiam", Vatablus; "protraxi, vel extendi ad te clementiam", Calvin; "extendo erga te benignitatem", Junius & Tremellius; "meam", Piscator.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
31:3 Long ago, the Lord had revealed himself during the Exodus (see Exod 15:13; 20:6; 34:6-7; Num 14:18-19; Deut 5:10; 7:7, 10, 12-13; 10:15, 18).
Jeremiah 31:3
Mourning Turned to Joy
2This is what the LORD says: “The people who survived the sword found favor in the wilderness when Israel went to find rest.” 3The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion. 4Again I will build you, and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out in joyful dancing.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Jehovah Rohi - the Lord Is My Shepherd
By David Wilkerson5.1K50:01Names Of GodPSA 69:5PSA 119:175ISA 40:11JER 31:3MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of walking on a beach at night during a financial crisis. He expresses his need for God's presence, love, and assurance. As he walks, he feels the sudden presence of Jesus and is reminded of Psalm 23, where God is described as a shepherd. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining the truth and rest that we have received from God, as well as the need for restoration when we lose it. He also mentions a financial shortfall in their ministry and how they trust God despite not knowing the reason behind it.
The Voice of God's Love
By A.W. Tozer4.9K38:11God's LoveGEN 3:9GEN 3:17JER 31:3MAT 18:12LUK 15:8ROM 8:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of revelation and how it relates to our understanding of the human condition. He acknowledges that we already know that the creation is subject to vanity and decay, as stated in the book of Ecclesiastes. The speaker then reflects on the lives of great geniuses like Albert Einstein and Ludwig van Beethoven, who had incredible abilities but ultimately died and took their talents to the grave. He questions the reasonableness of a being capable of creating such remarkable creatures like humans, only to have them end up in the ground and leave their work unfinished. The speaker suggests that something has happened to the human race, and the Bible provides sacred revelation to explain this. It declares that the inhabitants of the world are lost, but not forsaken, and that there is a voice calling them to safety and home. The sermon ends with the question, "Adam, where art thou?", implying that humanity is lost and in need of redemption.
You Can Come Back to His Love
By David Wilkerson3.9K09:55JER 31:3TIT 3:4This sermon emphasizes the profound love of God for His children, highlighting the struggle many believers face in truly accepting and believing in this love. It addresses the burden of past sins, the need for assurance of God's love, and the transformative power of understanding and walking in God's love. The message encourages repentance, restoration, and the joy that comes from knowing God's unconditional love and mercy.
The Hunter
By David Wilkerson3.4K54:20PSA 103:12ISA 55:7JER 31:3LUK 15:7ROM 5:8EPH 2:8In this sermon, Reverend David Wilkerson shares a powerful story about a young man named Jose who was a drug addict. When Reverend Wilkerson went to Jose's apartment to pick him up, he noticed two young children, Jose's siblings, who were left alone and scared. As they were about to leave, Jose shared that their mother was a prostitute and was out on the streets. Suddenly, Jose felt a spiritual attack from demonic forces, but he called out to Jesus and they fled. This experience made Jose realize the power of Christ and the importance of having a repentant heart. Reverend Wilkerson emphasizes that God loves his people, even when they sin, and desires a repentant heart. He also highlights the preciousness of every individual in the sight of God, despite their failures and mistakes. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's grace and forgiveness, and the need to hold onto the truth that we are precious in the eyes of the Lord.
Everlasting Love
By Chuck Smith2.8K38:14DEU 8:5PSA 119:65PRO 3:11JER 31:3HEB 12:6This sermon focuses on God's everlasting love and how He draws us with loving kindness, even in times of affliction and hardship. It emphasizes the importance of trusting God's guidance and recognizing His protection in redirecting us from destructive paths. Through personal experiences and biblical examples, the message highlights God's faithfulness in drawing us closer to Him for our ultimate good and His glory.
Omaha Conference 1983-01 the Love of God - Jeremiah 31:3
By William MacDonald1.4K34:45JER 31:3JHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving in the Christian ministry. He highlights that love cannot be fully expressed unless it is put into action and reaches those in need. The speaker refers to Ephesians 4:28, which encourages believers to work with their hands in order to have something to give to those in need. He emphasizes that the Christian ministry is a ministry of giving and that God loves those who give generously. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's everlasting love and how it should inspire believers to love and give to others.
(Pdf Book) Fullness of God
By Bakht Singh1.4K00:00EbooksGod's FullnessSpiritual GrowthGEN 1:28PSA 16:11JER 31:3JHN 10:10ROM 8:11EPH 3:16EPH 3:19PHP 4:6COL 2:9HEB 12:10Bakht Singh emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose in saving humanity is to fill us with His fullness, as stated in Ephesians 3:19. He explains that despite our sinful nature, through the sacrifice of Jesus, we can be transformed and experience God's abundant life, joy, and peace. Singh illustrates that just as Adam was given everything in the Garden of Eden, we too are offered fullness in Christ, but we must actively seek and obey God's will to experience it. He encourages believers to rely on God's grace and power to overcome life's challenges and to grow spiritually through trials, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God's love and purpose. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace our identity as God's children and to live in the fullness He desires for us.
(Pdf Book) Seven Heavenly Things
By Bakht Singh1.2K00:00New BirthEbooksEternal LifeJER 31:3MAT 4:17MAT 5:8JHN 3:3JHN 3:16ROM 3:231TH 2:12HEB 12:141JN 1:9REV 1:6Bakht Singh emphasizes the necessity of being born again to enter the everlasting Kingdom of God, as highlighted in John 3. He outlines seven heavenly things: the Everlasting Kingdom, Everlasting Love, Everlasting Sacrifice, Everlasting Life, Everlasting Victory, Eternal Judgment, and Everlasting Condemnation. Singh explains that through Jesus' sacrifice, believers can regain the privileges lost by Adam and become heavenly kings. He stresses the importance of a pure heart to receive the gift of eternal life, which is essential for enjoying God's love and grace. Ultimately, he invites listeners to seek forgiveness and experience the transformative power of the new birth.
The True God
By Brian Brodersen1.1K37:04ISA 7:14JER 31:3JHN 3:16JHN 5:18JHN 14:9JHN 17:3COL 1:15HEB 1:31JN 5:20This sermon delves into the revelation of God through Jesus Christ, emphasizing how Jesus clarified misunderstandings about God, demonstrated God's mercy, grace, compassion, and love, and revealed the triune nature of God. It highlights the importance of knowing God personally through Jesus for eternal life and the necessity of acknowledging God's holiness. The message invites individuals to receive Christ for a personal relationship with the true and living God.
Drawing Near-2nd Session
By Gisela Yohannan9271:13:44Experiencing GodFaithfulnessHolding Fast to God's PromisesJER 31:3MAL 3:6LUK 9:23ROM 4:20COL 3:2HEB 10:22HEB 11:6HEB 13:8REV 2:10Gisela Yohannan emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God and holding fast to our faith amidst a rapidly changing world. She highlights that while everything around us is transient, God's promises and His nature remain constant and unchanging. By using biblical examples, she encourages believers to cling to their hope in Christ, demonstrating unwavering faith and patience, just as figures like Abraham and Jesus did. Yohannan reminds us that our commitment to God should be lifelong, urging us to practice holding fast to His promises through life's challenges. Ultimately, she calls for a transformation of our minds through God's Word to strengthen our resolve in faith.
Living in Union With Christ in Dangerous Times - Part 2
By Josef Tson8091:08:34DEU 6:5NEH 8:10JER 31:3JHN 15:9This sermon delves into the concept of living in union with Christ in dangerous times, drawing parallels between historical events like September 11, the collapse of communism, and the rise of Islam. It emphasizes the importance of understanding God's love and desire for a deep, intimate relationship with His people, as well as the transformation that occurs when one loves God and seeks to be like Him through obedience and holiness.
Acts 15_pt2
By Bill Gallatin7801:10:17ExpositionalJER 31:3ACT 15:19ACT 15:282TI 4:52TI 4:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses Paul's last letter and his instructions to Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy to watch in all things, endure afflictions, and do the work of an evangelist. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing one's faith and inviting others to church. Paul also expresses his readiness to be offered and his anticipation of departing to glory. The speaker highlights the freedom and joy in serving Jesus Christ and the need to function under the calling that God has enabled us to serve Him. The sermon also touches on the decision made by the early church in Jerusalem regarding the Gentiles and the importance of not troubling them. The speaker emphasizes that despite human weaknesses and mistakes, God can still use us and work all things to the good. The sermon concludes with a reminder to feed the flock of God willingly and not to lord over God's heritage.
A Gift That Lasts
By John Vissers65422:46GiftJER 31:3MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 5:81JN 4:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God's love and the gift of Jesus Christ. The sermon begins with a description of a scene where people are gathered before God's throne, questioning how God can judge them and understand their suffering. The speaker then reads from John's Gospel, specifically focusing on John 3:16, which emphasizes God's love for the world and the gift of His Son. The sermon concludes by highlighting the lasting nature of God's love and the importance of accepting Jesus as a gift that brings salvation and everlasting life.
God's Love
By Richard Owen Roberts47742:56Love Of GodJER 2:2JER 31:3MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the loving kindness of God towards humanity. He highlights the intricate design of the human body and the various blessings it provides, such as the ability to see, hear, speak, and move. The preacher also acknowledges the goodness of God in the ordering of the universe, including the gift of day and night, the changing seasons, and the beauty of nature. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about getting a truck stuck in a ditch and the help received from neighbors, illustrating the importance of community and the kindness of others.
In Love With Jesus
By G.W. North15623:21JesusISA 43:4JER 31:3MAT 22:37LUK 15:24ROM 12:1EPH 5:11JN 4:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the prodigal son as a representation of repentance. He highlights the threefold nature of the parable, with each part representing a different person of the Trinity. The first two parts emphasize the sovereign grace of God, as the shepherd finds the lost sheep and the woman finds the lost coin without any effort from them. The last part focuses on the human element of repentance, as the prodigal son realizes his mistakes, repents, and returns to his father. The preacher emphasizes the simplicity of the message of repentance and the joy it brings to heaven.
01 God's Beloved: Transformed by Seeing Who You Are to God
By Mike Bickle6153:09God's LoveIdentity in ChristPSA 27:4SNG 1:15ISA 61:3JER 31:3JHN 15:9ROM 9:25ROM 12:19EPH 1:61PE 2:91PE 4:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of understanding our identity as God's beloved in his sermon on the Song of Solomon. He highlights that this book reveals God's heart and emotions towards His people, encouraging believers to embrace their belovedness to overcome shame and brokenness in a wounded generation. Bickle asserts that the revelation of being God's beloved is essential for the church to walk in victory and fulfill its destiny, as it empowers believers to face temptations and persecution. He calls for a deeper exploration of this truth, which is foundational to our relationship with God and our understanding of His love.
Such a Wretch You Would Have Been!
By Thomas Brooks0Transformation in ChristGod's GracePSA 103:10JER 31:3JHN 3:16ROM 5:81CO 6:92CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8TIT 3:51JN 4:19Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound difference that God's everlasting love and grace make in the lives of believers. He reflects on the rarity of God's saving love and the gifts of knowledge and purity that set Christians apart from the wicked. Brooks urges the congregation to recognize their former state of wretchedness without Christ and to appreciate the transformative power of His grace that has washed, sanctified, and justified them. He calls for gratitude towards God for the glorious gifts bestowed upon them, which they did not earn but received through His loving-kindness.
On the Total Depravity of the Heart
By Thomas Reade0GEN 6:5PSA 103:1PSA 145:1ISA 12:1ISA 41:10ISA 43:2ISA 43:25ISA 45:17JER 31:3EZK 36:25Thomas Reade preaches on the total depravity of the human heart, emphasizing the radical and universal corruption that occurred after the fall, as seen in Genesis. He highlights the natural blindness that hinders people from acknowledging their depravity and the need for sovereign grace to cleanse and transform the heart. Reade urges listeners to humble themselves before God, confess their guilt, and accept the gracious offers of pardon and peace through Christ's sacrifice. He reassures believers of God's promise of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal consolation, declaring that those who trust in the Lord will be strengthened, upheld, and never forsaken.
The Pattern of the House
By G.W. North0SacrificeCovenantEXO 20:24JER 31:3HOS 2:19MAT 5:23JHN 1:1ROM 12:12CO 8:9GAL 2:20HEB 9:221PE 2:5G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the altar as a vital link between God and His people, illustrating that the altar represents the foundational principle of sacrifice and offering in their relationship with Him. He explains that the altar, made of earth and stone, symbolizes the duality of humanity and God's desire for a covenant relationship, which is rooted in love and self-giving. North draws parallels between the altar and the covenant established at Sinai, highlighting the importance of willing sacrifice and the heart's involvement in offerings to God. He warns against the spiritual failures of Israel, who failed to grasp the deeper meaning of the altar and thus broke their covenant with God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a return to understanding the altar's significance as a symbol of God's love and the necessity of sacrificial giving in our relationship with Him.
The Lord's People His Portion
By Charles Finney0God's LoveValue of BelieversDEU 32:9ISA 49:14JER 31:3MAL 3:17Charles Finney emphasizes that God's people are His treasured possession, highlighting the profound love and regard God has for them as expressed in Scripture. He explains that God's love is not capricious but based on good reasons, such as their faith, sincerity, and the sacrifices He has made for them. Finney illustrates that God's people are valuable to Him, not only for their steadfastness in trials but also for their potential for growth and holiness. He encourages believers to recognize their worth in God's eyes, which can help combat feelings of guilt and unworthiness. Ultimately, Finney calls for a deeper understanding of God's love, urging both the faithful and the wayward to return to Him, knowing they are cherished as His own.
God's Everlasting, Unchanging Love
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's LoveNew Covenant1SA 18:12SA 1:26PSA 50:10ISA 40:15ISA 45:12JER 31:3MAT 26:28JHN 3:16EPH 2:4COL 1:13T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes God's everlasting and unchanging love, as declared in Jeremiah 31:3, highlighting that this profound love is extended even in the face of human rebellion and sin. He explores the nature of God's love, describing it as infinite, self-sufficient, and akin to a mother's love, which persists despite our shortcomings. Sparks reassures that this love is not limited to Israel but is available to all through the new covenant established by Jesus Christ. He urges listeners to recognize the depth of this love and its implications for their lives, encouraging a response of gratitude and humility. Ultimately, he calls for a life that reflects this divine love in our actions and relationships.
However Harsh His Hand May Be
By Thomas Brooks0God's LoveAffliction and GraceJER 31:3ROM 8:38Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's afflictions do not alter His unwavering love for His people. Despite the harshness of His hand, God's affections remain constant, as His love is rooted in His own grace rather than in our worthiness. He illustrates this with the example of Munster, who viewed his suffering as God's precious adornments. Brooks reassures that God's love is everlasting and not dependent on our actions, affirming that He loves us simply because He chooses to love us.
God's Way for Marriage
By Erlo Stegen0God's Design for MarriageFamily ResponsibilitiesJER 31:3Erlo Stegen emphasizes God's design for marriage, illustrating it through the lives of a couple who exemplified faithfulness and commitment to their studies and to God before marriage. He highlights the importance of living according to God's guidance and the role of parents in setting a godly example for their children. The sermon stresses that a husband bears the responsibility for his wife's spiritual well-being, and that a wife's treatment of her husband influences their children's behavior. Stegen reassures that God's everlasting love and forgiveness empower couples to build strong, faith-filled families.
Overcome Us! Melt Us! Draw Us!
By Anne Dutton0PSA 103:8JER 31:3HOS 14:4EPH 3:17HEB 4:161JN 4:19Anne Dutton preaches about the infinite, boundless love and grace of God towards His people, despite their constant backsliding and ingratitude. She emphasizes God's promise to heal their backslidings and love them freely, even though they are naturally sinful and rebellious. Dutton marvels at the amazing, free love of God that continues to pursue His people, even when they have repeatedly turned away from Him and pursued other things. She encourages a daily surrender to the Savior, receiving His grace, pardon, peace, joy, strength, and holiness.
Part 16: The Abrahamic Covenant and Premillennialism
By John F. Walvoord0GEN 17:7JER 31:3LUK 1:32ACT 1:6ROM 11:25John F. Walvoord preaches on the restoration of Israel as a nation, emphasizing the prophetic promises of Israel's future glory and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant. The restoration of Israel is based on God's faithfulness to His promises, including Israel's continuance as a nation, regathering after dispersion, and possession of the promised land. The New Testament affirms Israel's restoration, with Romans 11 highlighting the future salvation of Israel and the removal of their spiritual blindness, pointing to a glorious future for the Jewish people.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Israel gratefully acknowledges in reply God's past grace; but at the same time tacitly implies by the expression "of old," that God does not appear to her now. "God appeared to me of old, but now I am forsaken!" God replies, Nay, I love thee with the same love now as of old. My love was not a momentary impulse, but from "everlasting" in My counsels, and to "everlasting" in its continuance; hence originated the covenant whereby I gratuitously adopted thee (Mal 1:2; Rom 11:28-29). Margin translates, "from afar," which does not answer so well as "of old," to "in the wilderness" (Jer 31:2), which refers to the olden times of Israel's history. with loving kindness . . . drawn-- (Hos 11:4). Rather, "I have drawn out continually My loving kindness toward thee." So Psa 36:10, "Continue (Margin, 'Draw out at length') Thy loving kindness." By virtue of My everlasting love I will still extend My loving kindness to thee. So Isa 44:21, "O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of Me."
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying,.... Either to the prophet, bidding him say to the church what follows, so Jarchi: or to Christ, who was from eternity with the Father; lay in his bosom; between whom the council of peace was; with whom the covenant was made; and whom God loved before the foundation of the world; and which is observed by him, for the comfort of his people, Joh 17:24; so Cocceius; but rather they are the words of Israel, or the church, owning the above instances of God's grace and goodness; and that he had greatly appeared to them, and for them, in former times; but then this was a great while ago; and besides, now he hid his face from them, and they were under the tokens of his displeasure, and not of his love; to which the Lord replies, for the word "saying" is not in the text, which makes the following a continuation of the church's speech, though wrongly; since they are the words of the Lord, taking up the church for speaking too slightly and improperly of his love, and in a complaining way: yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love; not only of old, or a good while ago, but from all eternity, and with a love which will always last, and does, notwithstanding dark and afflictive providences; for this love is like himself, sovereign, unchangeable, and everlasting: "I have loved thee": I, who am the great God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; a God of infinite purity and holiness; do whatever I please in heaven and in earth; and am the Lord that changes not: "have loved"; not love only now, and shall hereafter; but have loved, not for some time past only, but from all eternity, with the same love I now do: "thee" personally, "Jacob, have I loved", Rom 9:13; thee nakedly, and not thine, or for anything done by thee; thee separately and distinctly, and not others; thee a creature, vile and sinful, a transgressor from the womb, and known to be so beforehand; "thee" now openly, and in an applicatory way, through the evidence of the spirit: "with an everlasting love": a love from everlasting, which does not commence in time with faith, repentance, and new obedience; these being the fruits and effects of it; but was from all eternity, as appears from the eternal choice of the persons loved in Christ; from the everlasting covenant made with them in him; from the constitution and setting up of Christ as their Mediator from everlasting; and from the security of their persons and grace in him, before the world began: and this love will endure to everlasting, without any variation or change; nothing can separate from it. The evidence of it follows: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee; out of a state of nature; out of Satan's hands; out of the pit wherein is no water, the horrible pit, the mire and clay; unto Christ, his person, blood, righteousness, and fulness, by faith to lay hold upon them; unto his church, and to a participation of the ordinances and privileges of it; to nearer communion with God, and at last will draw to eternal glory. This is the Father's act, and to him it is usually ascribed: it chiefly regards the work of conversion, and the influence of divine grace on that; though it also includes after acts of drawing: it supposes weakness in men; is the effect of powerful and efficacious grace; and is done without offering any violence or force to the will of man, who is drawn with, and not against, his will. This is an instance of the love of God; a fruit and effect of it: it is love that draws a soul to Christ, and is the cause of its coming to him; it is love that reveals him to it, and causes it to come to him; love is then manifested and shed abroad in the heart; a cord of it is let down into it, and with it the Lord draws; it is not by the threats of the law, but by the declarations of grace in the Gospel; the cause of drawing is love, and the manner of it is with it. The Targum of the whole verse is, "Jerusalem said, of old the Lord appeared to our fathers; prophet, say unto them, lo, I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore have led you with goodness.'' It may be rendered, "I have drawn out", or "extended, lovingkindness to thee" (i); see Psa 36:10. (i) "protraxi tibi misericordiam", Vatablus; "protraxi, vel extendi ad te clementiam", Calvin; "extendo erga te benignitatem", Junius & Tremellius; "meam", Piscator.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
31:3 Long ago, the Lord had revealed himself during the Exodus (see Exod 15:13; 20:6; 34:6-7; Num 14:18-19; Deut 5:10; 7:7, 10, 12-13; 10:15, 18).