Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
JEREMIAH 23:7KJVWhat does Jeremiah 23:7 mean?
Jeremiah 23:7 says that a time is coming when people will no longer use the exodus from Egypt as the main way to describe God’s power and faithfulness. Instead, something even greater will happen that will become the new reference point for God’s deliverance of Israel.
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people of Judah, who are facing judgment and exile. The verse points forward to a future event so significant that it will overshadow the memory of God bringing Israel out of Egypt—a defining moment in Israel’s history. This sets up anticipation for a new act of God’s salvation.
The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 23:7
- "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that the promise comes directly from Israel’s covenant God, not a generic deity.
- "Liveth" (חַי, ḥay): This word means "lives" or "is alive," highlighting that God is active and present, not just a figure from the past.
- "Brought up" (עָלָה, ‘alah): This verb means "to bring up" or "to lead up," referring to God’s act of delivering Israel from Egypt. The verse hints that God will perform a new act of deliverance that will be even more memorable.
Why Jeremiah 23:7 matters
- Jeremiah 23:7 clarifies that God’s saving acts are not limited to the past; God promises future deliverance that will be just as real and powerful.
- The verse shifts the focus from the familiar story of the exodus to a new hope, preparing the people for restoration after exile.
- This verse connects to the surrounding passage, where Jeremiah contrasts corrupt leaders with God’s promise to gather and restore His people, showing that God’s faithfulness continues despite present troubles.