NOTES for Jer 33:1-26

The people need a leader, a true one appointed by God. And so, in the days when Jerusalem and the entire Davidic dynasty were 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, Judea will no longer be an independent kingdom, except for several years under the Maccabean dynasty.

But besides 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 Judea and lead it to God, but will become the Light of the world and the Hope of all nations.