Jeremiah, who lived from approximately 650 BC to around 570 BC, prophesied to the people of Judah during a time of impending and actual exile under Babylonian domination. In his message of hope, he conveys God’s words: “Thus says the LORD, ‘Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears; for your work will be rewarded,’ declares the LORD, ‘and they will return from the land of the enemy.” (v.16) The geographical reference to the “land of the enemy” points to the territory of Babylon, northeast of Judah in the region that today spans parts of Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, highlighting the promise that the exiles would eventually be brought home by the LORD’s gracious plan.
When Jeremiah declares, “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears; for your work will be rewarded,” (v.16) the prophet speaks not only to the literal tears of parents and families separated by exile, but also more broadly to all who have endured suffering and loss. The command to halt weeping suggests a shift from mourning to expectation: God acknowledges their hardships and assures them that they will be rewarded. This theme of reward in the midst of sorrow can be linked with the New Testament proclamation that God sees every labor done in faith, a promise echoed in passages such as Matthew 5:4 (version only).
“And they will return from the land of the enemy,” (v.16) underscores the reality that separation and captivity were not the permanent end for God’s people. Just as centuries later Jesus would speak of the ultimate redemption and return to fellowship with God (John 14:3), Jeremiah’s words looked forward to a physical and spiritual restoration. The emphasis is on God’s sovereignty to bring His people back against all odds, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to uphold His covenant promises.
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Jeremiah 31:16 meaning
Jeremiah, who lived from approximately 650 BC to around 570 BC, prophesied to the people of Judah during a time of impending and actual exile under Babylonian domination. In his message of hope, he conveys God’s words: “Thus says the LORD, ‘Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears; for your work will be rewarded,’ declares the LORD, ‘and they will return from the land of the enemy.” (v.16) The geographical reference to the “land of the enemy” points to the territory of Babylon, northeast of Judah in the region that today spans parts of Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, highlighting the promise that the exiles would eventually be brought home by the LORD’s gracious plan.
When Jeremiah declares, “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears; for your work will be rewarded,” (v.16) the prophet speaks not only to the literal tears of parents and families separated by exile, but also more broadly to all who have endured suffering and loss. The command to halt weeping suggests a shift from mourning to expectation: God acknowledges their hardships and assures them that they will be rewarded. This theme of reward in the midst of sorrow can be linked with the New Testament proclamation that God sees every labor done in faith, a promise echoed in passages such as Matthew 5:4 (version only).
“And they will return from the land of the enemy,” (v.16) underscores the reality that separation and captivity were not the permanent end for God’s people. Just as centuries later Jesus would speak of the ultimate redemption and return to fellowship with God (John 14:3), Jeremiah’s words looked forward to a physical and spiritual restoration. The emphasis is on God’s sovereignty to bring His people back against all odds, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to uphold His covenant promises.