In the final three verses of this passage (Jeremiah 31:12–14) the journey from exile is over and, much like the passage before (Jeremiah 31:7–9), life in the land for those who return is described. The verses alternate between rejoicing (Jeremiah 31:12–13) and feasting (Jeremiah 31:12b-c,Jeremiah 31:14)1. They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion.
The people are pictured gathering around the temple in Zion singing songs of joy. They shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord.
The word radiant
is the Hebrew word nahar and it means to sparkle, be cheerful.
Psalm 34:5 says, Those who look to him are radiant and their faces shall never be ashamed.
The cause of this happiness is the goodness of the Lord,
which points to the presence of the Lord with his people (Exodus 33:19)2. In particular the Lord’s presence with those returning to the land is experienced in his abundant provision of grain,
wine,
oil,
and the young of the flock and the herd.
This is the language of abundant covenant blessing in the land (Deuteronomy 7:13; Deuteronomy 11:14–15). Life in the land will be like a well-watered garden.
The sadness of exile is replaced with an existence that sounds much like life in the garden of Eden. The land becomes a place where his people prosper and multiply as they enjoy the Lord’s blessings in his presence. This whole scene points to something far greater than simply returning to the land. It speaks of new heavens and new earth where people will finally live in perfect fellowship with the Lord3. Young and old will dance and rejoice and the Lord will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow.
The sorrows and hardship of exile are replaced with the joy of being back in the land, but this too points forward to the new creation when He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things shall have passed away
(Revelation 21:4).
12 Ils viendront, et pousseront des cris de joie sur les hauteurs de Sion; Ils accourront vers les biens de l'Eternel, Le blé, le moût, l'huile, Les brebis et les bœufs; Leur âme sera comme un jardin arrosé, Et ils ne seront plus dans la souffrance.