This chapter has two thoughts. Firstly, God was giving them a promise that He was going to bring them back to their land. We read yesterday that Jeremiah was to tell them the length of time before this would happen. But secondly, God told Jeremiah to tell the people about a far greater event to take place in the distant future. All the tribes of Judah and Israel would be brought back to the land. This event still hasn’t taken place. Nor will it, until the Lord first comes into the sky and calls every believer, dead and living, to come with Him to heaven. Are you a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ? You will then be one of those who hears His voice and will be with Him forever.
V.4-7 But, something else. Before the Lord brings them back, a terrible punishment is going to be put on the people, known as the great tribulation (See your chart “E”).
V.8-11 He tells the faithful ones not to be afraid.
V.12-15 Word to the unbelievers. Punishment because they persisted in disobedience — so they were “incurable.”
V.16 Refers to the nations who have hated Israel and beaten them.
V.17-24 He returns to the subject of their being blessed in the later days (“E” to “F” on your chart).