Christmas Season · Second Sunday after Christmas Day · Year A
Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-12
The Return of the Remnant
January 4, 2026
Overview & Insights
“They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion; their life shall become like a watered garden.” (Jeremiah 31:12)
30:1–3 The Book of Consolation begins with a general statement of hope for the people of Judah who have so far heard a message predominantly of judgment. It is identified as a divine oracle to Jeremiah ( This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD and This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says, vv. 1–2a). Jeremiah is further instructed not only to speak this message, but to write in a book all the words that God has spoken to him. Such a command underscores the importance of the message as well as a need to preserve it long term. Perhaps as well it gives the message a certain measure of assurance. It is a word that the faithful could come back to and remind themselves of God’s continued involvement with them. The actual oracle is introduced with a formula that looks to a time in the vague future ( the days are coming ).
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Commentary
Jeremiah 31:7-14 Working Preacher
A commentary on Jeremiah's promise of homecoming.
Jeremiah 31:7-14 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed commentary with sermon starters on the abundance of God's restoration.
Jeremiah 31 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An evangelical verse-by-verse study of Jeremiah 31.
Classic commentaries on Jeremiah 31 BibleHub
Compiled classic commentaries on Jeremiah 31 gathered verse by verse.
Background & Word Study
Jeremiah & Lamentations and Work Theology of Work
Reads Jeremiah's restoration through the lens of daily work and vocation.
Jeremiah 31 Enter the Bible
A scholarly summary and background for Jeremiah 31.
Jeremiah 31 in Hebrew, with Jewish commentary Sefaria
The Hebrew and English text of Jeremiah 31 with Jewish commentary links.
Sefaria: Jeremiah 31 (Hebrew) Sefaria
Hebrew text with English and classical Jewish commentary on the passage.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Who is included in the company Jeremiah sees coming home?
Specifically the people least able to make the journey: the blind, the lame, the pregnant woman and the one in labour, all named in the same breath as the great company. The return is measured by who is not left behind.
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