The Bible Says
Jeremiah 31:23-26 Meaning

In Jeremiah 31:23-26, the prophet Jeremiah, who ministered from around 627 BC to the mid-sixth century BC, continues offering words of comfort to God’s people. He begins by saying, Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, "Once again they will speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities when I restore their fortunes, 'The LORD bless you, O abode of righteousness, O holy hill!'" (v. 23). The land of Judah lay south of Israel’s northern kingdom, centered on Jerusalem, and it was marked by hilly terrain and significant fortresses. By referring to Judah as an "abode of righteousness" and a "holy hill," Jeremiah emphasizes a future restoration of the nation’s spiritual foundation, pointing forward to a time when God’s presence would bring blessing and renewal.

The hope declared here shows that God’s judgment on Judah-culminating in Babylonian captivity-would not be the end. Instead, the LORD would ultimately restore the people, revitalizing the cities that had been ravaged by war. This promise presents a vision of God’s healing power, revealing that He intends to repair not only the physical losses of His people but also to return them to a place of spiritual integrity. As believers, we see echoes of this restoration in the New Testament, where Jesus offers healing for broken lives (John 10:10). God’s heart is to rebuild and bless in response to genuine repentance and trust in Him.

Jeremiah continues, "Judah and all its cities will dwell together in it, the farmer and they who go about with flocks" (v. 24). The imagery of farmers and shepherds signals a peaceful return to everyday life, without threats from foreign armies or internal strife. When the people of Judah are allowed to return to their homeland, they will find security in their fields and among their flocks-a sign of God’s faithful provision.

Jeremiah 31:24 offers more than a mere physical picture; it reveals the promise of God’s comprehensive restoration. Life-agricultural rhythms, the quiet routines of tending sheep-reflects stability and peace. In the larger biblical narrative, farming and shepherding often serve as pictures of careful nurture and divine care (Psalm 23). Here, it suggests that the LORD is determined to safeguard His people in the future, ensuring they can live and worship in unity, free from oppression or wandering.

The promise in Jeremiah 31:25 turns attention to the weary hearts of those who have endured exile, war, and separation from their homeland: "For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes" (v. 25). God pledges to do far more than just provide fuel for survival; He seeks to fill the deepest needs of those who have been burdened under oppression.

God’s satisfaction of the weary points us toward His compassionate nature. In later scriptures, Jesus Himself stands as the ultimate fulfillment of refreshment for the worn-out (Matthew 11:28). Thus, this verse in Jeremiah assures the remnant of Judah that their time of suffering will pass, replaced with divine care that meets both physical and spiritual longings. It paints a hopeful vision of hearts being replenished by the One who truly sustains His people.

Finally, Jeremiah reflects on this prophetic vision, saying, At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me (v. 26). This commentary from Jeremiah highlights that what God revealed brought him comfort and encouragement-so much so that his sleep was no longer troubled by anguish or dread. Jeremiah’s peaceful rest stands in stark contrast to the turmoil he often experienced as a prophet to a stubborn people facing impending judgment.

The sweetness of Jeremiah’s sleep reflects his confidence in the faithfulness of the LORD’s promises. Although much of the prophet’s ministry involved dire warnings of destruction, above all he clung to God’s steadfast love. The news of Judah’s future restoration lifted his spirit and brought serene assurance that God’s covenant with His people would remain intact, despite their failings.