Jeremiah 31:10
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This verse calls not just Israel, but all nations, to hear and declare God's word. It highlights that the God who has the power to scatter His people also has the power to intimately gather and protect them, much like a shepherd with their flock.
“Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse bursts forth from a prophetic message of judgment and impending exile for Israel. Jeremiah is delivering God's word, and immediately after this promise of gathering, the text will shift to a vision of a new covenant and renewed land. The nations are being called to witness that God, who is sovereign even in scattering His people, is also the one who will ultimately restore and care for them like a shepherd.
God’s actions with His people are so monumental, they demand a global audience. Why are the 'nations' and distant 'isles' called to witness Israel's restoration?
A Worldwide Announcement
Jeremiah isn't just speaking to Israel; he's shouting to the entire world. The command to 'Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away' is extraordinary. It means that God's faithfulness to His scattered people isn't a private family matter. It's a public declaration of His power and covenant love.
The imagery of a shepherd is deeply comforting. But what does it truly reveal about God's commitment to His people, especially after they've been scattered?
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From Scattered to Secure
The verse powerfully states, 'He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.' This isn't just about bringing lost sheep back home; it's about God's active, ongoing protection.
Understand the original words
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
One who provides, guides, protects, and feeds; a common biblical metaphor for God's leadership and tender care for His people (the flock).
This prophecy by Jeremiah was given during the intense crisis of the Babylonian exile, offering a powerful message of hope. It assures the scattered people that God, who allowed their dispersion (even using other nations to accomplish it), is the one who will ultimately gather them back, much like a shepherd cares for his flock. The call to the 'nations' and 'isles afar off' highlights that this future restoration will be a clear sign of God's power and faithfulness to the entire world.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian Captivity of Northern Israel
The powerful Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and beginning a long period of exile and dispersion for many Israelites.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Judah, deporting some of its citizens, including members of the royal family and educated elite, to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Babylonian forces deported more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon following another revolt against Babylonian rule.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, bringing an end to the southern kingdom of Judah and scattering its remaining population into exile.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, paving the way for the return of the Jewish exiles to their homeland.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus for Return
Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the beginning of the return from Babylonian captivity.
This passage similarly describes the Lord as a powerful shepherd who gathers, carries, and gently leads His flock, echoing the tender care promised to Israel in Jeremiah.
Ezekiel 34:11-16This prophetic vision details God's personal search for His scattered sheep and His promise to rescue them, feed them, and give them rest, mirroring Jeremiah's message of divine restoration.
Psalm 23:1-6This beloved psalm beautifully elaborates on the 'shepherd' metaphor, expressing deep trust in God's guidance, provision, and protection for His people, reinforcing the assurance found in Jeremiah.
John 10:11-16Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and knows them intimately, connecting the Old Testament imagery to His ultimate redemptive work.
Matthew 18:12-14The parable of the lost sheep highlights God's immense joy and proactive pursuit when even one of His 'flock' goes astray, underscoring the preciousness of each individual to Him.
barnesJeremiah 31:10: "Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock."
The isles - The coast land of the Mediterranean, used here to show that the most distant countries are to hear and marvel at Israel's wonderful restoration.
cambridgeJeremiah 31:10: "Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock."
10 . For the general sense, and in particular for the term “the isles” (See on Jeremiah 25:22 ), cp. Isaiah 41:1 ; Isaiah 42:10 ; Isaiah 49:1 . He that scattered Israel will gather him ] The nations are instructed that as it was not their doing but God’s, that His people had been subject to a foreign yoke,…
This verse calls not just Israel, but all nations, to hear and declare God's word. It highlights that the God who has the power to scatter His people also has the power to intimately gather and protect them, much like a shepherd with their flock.
This verse bursts forth from a prophetic message of judgment and impending exile for Israel. Jeremiah is delivering God's word, and immediately after this promise of gathering, the text will shift to a vision of a new covenant and renewed land. The nations are being called to witness that God, who is sovereign even in scattering His people, is also the one who will ultimately restore and care for them like a shepherd.
This verse bursts forth from a prophetic message of judgment and impending exile for Israel. Jeremiah is delivering God's word, and immediately after this promise of gathering, the text will shift to a vision of a new covenant and renewed land. The nations are being called to witness that God, who is sovereign even in scattering His people, is also the one who will ultimately restore and care for them like a shepherd.
"“Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’" — This verse calls not just Israel, but all nations, to hear and declare God's word. It highlights that the God who has the power to scatter His people also has the power to intimately gather and pro…
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Last reviewed October 2026
