23 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Once more they shall use these words in the land of Judah and in its cities, when I restore their fortunes:
“‘The Lord bless you, O habitation of righteousness,
O holy hill!’
24 And Judah and all its cities shall dwell there together, and the farmers and those who wander with their flocks. 25 For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”
26 At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me.
“‘The Lord bless you, O habitation of righteousness,
O holy hill!’
24 And Judah and all its cities shall dwell there together, and the farmers and those who wander with their flocks. 25 For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”
26 At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me.
Interspersed with all the messages of coming judgment and exile, God also gives these promises of hope and restoration. First and foremost, worship is in its proper place: the temple will be back on its holy hill. Secondly, everything will be in its positive normal: cities will be bustling with activity; farmers will have productive land; shepherds will quietly guide their sheep on the hillside. Finally, everyone will be renewed from their weariness and suffering; everyone will wake up after a good night's sleep refreshed. Now that is a picture of refreshing is it not? Waking up in the morning after a restful sleep, excited to see what a new day holds. Notice, the situation really had not changed in Jeremiah's life; he was still doing to witness the fall of Jerusalem, but the promises of God, and assurance of His plan gave Him a good night's sleep and a refreshing perspective to go on with what God had called him to do. May God refresh us today.
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