f happiness! In favour of this explanation is also the
clear reference of [Hebrew: tsvbb] to [Hebrew: ttHmqiN], and to
[Hebrew: hwvbbh], which, in the case of the latter word, is even
outwardly expressed by the alliteration. How foolish would it be still
farther to _depart_, as now the time is at hand when the Lord is
approaching.--It is obvious that, even according to our interpretation,
the prophecy retains its Messianic character.

[Pg 429]

The contents of the section, vers. 31-40, are as follows:--The Lord is
far from punishing with entire rejection the contempt of His former
gifts and blessings. On the contrary, by increased grace, He will renew
the bond between Him and the people, and render it for ever
indissoluble. The foundation of this is formed by the remission of
sins, of which the richer outpouring of the Spirit is a consequence;
and it is now, when the Law no more comes to Israel as an outward
letter, but is written in their hearts, that Israel attain their
destination; they will truly be the people of God, and God will be
truly their God, vers. 31-34. To the people conscious of their guilt,
and still groaning under the judgments of God, such a manifestation of
God's continuous grace appears incredible; but God most emphatically
assures them, that this election is still in force, and must continue
for ever, as truly as He is God, vers. 31-37. The city of God shall
gloriously arise out of its ashes. While formerly the unholy
abomination entered into her, the holy one, even into her innermost
parts, she _now_ shall extend her boundaries beyond the territory of
the unholy; and the Lord, who is sanctified _within_ her, will sanctify
himself _upon_ her also. There shall be no more destruction.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ver. 31. "_Behold, days come, saith the Lord, and I make a new covenant
with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah._"

Ver. 32. "_Not as the covenant that I made with their fathers, in the
day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of
Egypt, which my covenant they brake; but I marry them to me, saith the
Lord._"

The first question which we have here to examine is: What is to be
understood by the making of a covenant? We cannot here think of a
formal transaction, of a mutual contract, such as the covenant made
on Sinai. This appears from ver. 32, according to which the old
covenant was concluded on the day when the Lord took Israel