NOTES for Jer 33:1-26

The people need a leader—a true leader appointed by God. And so, in the days when Jerusalem and the whole Davidic dynasty are perishing, the prophet promises that God will preserve a “Branch”—a descendant of David who will lead the renewed kingdom. Historically this will not happen: even after the exile, Judah will no longer be an independent kingdom (apart from a few years under the Maccabean dynasty). But alongside outward, “great” history there is another history, in which faith sees more deeply than ordinary knowledge. This prophecy will not be forgotten; it will become messianic, referring to the coming King who will not only save Judah and lead it to God, but will become the Light of the world and the Hope of all nations.