Jeremiah 31:38
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when the city shall be rebuilt for the LORD from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The prophecy doesn't just describe rebuilding the city walls; it specifies that the rebuilt city is "for the Lord," meaning it's consecrated to Him, and its boundaries will even expand to include formerly "unclean" areas, making them holy. This highlights that God’s restoration isn't just about physical repair, but a radical transformation making all of His people and their space sacred.
The prophet is describing the future restoration and expansion of Jerusalem, not just in terms of its physical boundaries from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate, but as a city entirely consecrated to the Lord. This vision follows promises of a new covenant and comfort for a people facing exile, suggesting a future far grander and more permanent than a simple rebuilding after their return. The prophecy extends to include previously desolate areas, highlighting a complete cleansing and holiness for the entire city.
Jeremiah paints a picture of a restored Jerusalem, stretching beyond its old limits to embrace even defiled areas. What does this radical expansion signify?
Jeremiah isn't just talking about rebuilding a city; he's describing a profound spiritual transformation.
Embracing the Unclean
The prophecy explicitly mentions areas like the "valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes" and fields extending to the Kidron brook. These were places associated with death, impurity, and even desecration in ancient Jerusalem.
A New Consecration
But in the days to come, these same areas are declared "holy unto the LORD." This means God's plan wasn't just to restore what was broken, but to reclaim and sanctify everything, transforming places of death and refuse into sacred ground. It’s a powerful image of God’s redemptive power making all things new.
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Why does Jeremiah meticulously define the rebuilt city's boundaries, and what does it mean for this city to be "built to the LORD"?
The specific landmarks mentioned—the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate—aren't just random geographical markers. They represent the city's extent, ensuring it's rebuilt in its full, intended glory.
A Divine Blueprint
When it says the city shall be "built to the LORD" (or "for the LORD"), it signifies more than just a location. It means the city is rebuilt for God's purpose, under His direction, and as a place where His presence will dwell. It’s a city dedicated entirely to Him.
Undeniable Permanence
Crucially, this rebuilt city is promised to be "holy unto the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever." This speaks to an ultimate, unbreakable security and holiness that transcends any earthly destruction. While Jerusalem experienced destruction after Jeremiah, this promise points to an enduring reality—ultimately fulfilled in the eternal Kingdom of God and the Church, the New Jerusalem.
Understand the original words
iyr · Hebrew Noun
An area of human habitation, often used as a symbol of divine blessing, judgment, or sanctuary. In prophecy, the city represents the gathering place of God's people where His presence dwells.
This verse speaks of a future rebuilding of Jerusalem, not just its physical walls and structures, but its spiritual consecration to God. The specific landmarks mentioned—the Tower of Hananel and the Corner Gate—anchored this promise in the reality of their known city, even as it pointed to a future, more glorious, and permanent restoration.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, and exile much of the population. This event marks a profound low point for the people of God, leaving their beloved city in ruins.
538 BC
Cyrus's Decree for Return
After the Babylonians are conquered by the Persians, King Cyrus issues a decree allowing the exiled Judeans to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The Temple is rebuilt by the returning exiles, though on a smaller scale and with less immediate glory than Solomon's original Temple. This signifies a partial restoration but not the full splendor envisioned in prophetic promises.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah leads a mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, restoring its physical defenses and boundaries. This event marks a significant, albeit limited, restoration of the city's structure.
c. 520 BC - 518 BC
Zechariah's Prophecies
Zechariah, a contemporary of the post-exilic rebuilding efforts, also speaks of Jerusalem's future restoration and glory, mentioning landmarks like the Tower of Hananel.
c. 7th - 6th Century BC— this verse
Jeremiah's Prophecies
Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile. He spoke of both judgment and future restoration, including detailed descriptions of a rebuilt Jerusalem.
This passage echoes Jeremiah's vision by also mentioning the 'tower of Hananel' and the 'corner gate' in the context of a future, divinely-established Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 3:1This historical account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the exile provides a tangible, albeit partial, fulfillment to Jeremiah's prophecy, showing the practical steps involved in restoring the city.
Revelation 21:10-27This New Testament passage describes the New Jerusalem, a future, heavenly city that is 'holy to the LORD' and eternal, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of Jeremiah's vision of a permanently consecrated city.
Psalm 87:1-3This psalm speaks of Jerusalem as founded by God and gloriously established, aligning with Jeremiah's prophetic declaration that the city would be 'built for the LORD,' emphasizing its divine origin and purpose.
barnesJeremiah 31:38: "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner."
To the Lord - Or, for Yahweh: for His dwelling in the hearts of a people prepared to be His temple.
clarkeJeremiah 31:38: "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner."
The city shall be built to the Lord - This cannot mean the city built after the return from Babylon, for two reasons: 1. This is to be much greater in extent; 2. It is to be permanent, never to be thrown down, Jeremiah 31:40. It must therefore mean, if taken literally at all, the city that is to be built by them when they are brought in with t…
The prophecy doesn't just describe rebuilding the city walls; it specifies that the rebuilt city is "for the Lord," meaning it's consecrated to Him, and its boundaries will even expand to include formerly "unclean" areas, making them holy. This highlights that God’s restoration isn't just about physical repair, but a radical transformation making all of His people and their space sacred.
The prophet is describing the future restoration and expansion of Jerusalem, not just in terms of its physical boundaries from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate, but as a city entirely consecrated to the Lord. This vision follows promises of a new covenant and comfort for a people facing exile, suggesting a future far grander and more permanent than a simple rebuilding after their return. The prophecy extends to include previously desolate areas, highlighting a complete cleansing and holiness for the entire city.
The prophet is describing the future restoration and expansion of Jerusalem, not just in terms of its physical boundaries from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate, but as a city entirely consecrated to the Lord. This vision follows promises of a new covenant and comfort for a people facing exile, suggesting a future far grander and more permanent than a simple rebuilding after their return. The prophecy extends to include previously desolate areas, highlighting a complete cleansing and holiness for the entire city.
"“Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when the city shall be rebuilt for the LORD from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate." — The prophecy doesn't just describe rebuilding the city walls; it specifies that the rebuilt city is "for the Lord," meaning it's consecrated to Him, and its boundaries will even expand to include for…
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