Jeremiah 24:7

I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart.

Study Bible

I will give them a heart to know Me
This phrase emphasizes God's initiative in the transformation of His people. The heart, in biblical terms, represents the center of one's being, including mind, will, and emotions. This transformation is a divine act, indicating that true knowledge of God is a gift rather than a human achievement. This echoes the promise of a new covenant found in Jeremiah 31:33, where God writes His law on the hearts of His people. It also aligns with Ezekiel 36:26, where God promises to give a new heart and spirit. This transformation is necessary for a genuine relationship with God, highlighting the need for divine intervention in human hearts.

that I am the LORD
This phrase underscores the recognition of God's sovereignty and identity. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) is significant, as it is God's covenant name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14-15. Knowing God as the LORD involves understanding His character, faithfulness, and authority. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, involving trust and obedience. The acknowledgment of God as LORD is central to the covenant relationship, as seen throughout the Old Testament, where Israel is called to recognize and worship God alone.

They will be My people
This phrase reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a recurring theme in Scripture, first established with Abraham in Genesis 17:7-8 and reiterated throughout the Old Testament. Being God's people involves a special status and responsibility, including living according to His commandments and reflecting His character. This relationship is not based on ethnicity or nationality but on faith and obedience. In the New Testament, this concept is expanded to include all believers in Christ, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9-10, where the church is described as a chosen people and a royal priesthood.

and I will be their God
This phrase signifies God's commitment to His people, promising His presence, protection, and provision. It is a central promise of the covenant, assuring the people of God's faithfulness and care. This relationship is reciprocal, requiring loyalty and worship from the people. The assurance of God's presence is a source of comfort and strength, as seen in passages like Psalm 23:1 and Isaiah 41:10. In the New Testament, this promise is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is Immanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.

for they will return to Me with all their heart
This phrase indicates repentance and wholehearted devotion. Returning to God involves turning away from sin and idolatry, as well as a sincere commitment to follow Him. The call to return is a common prophetic theme, urging Israel to repent and renew their covenant relationship with God. This return is not partial but involves the entire heart, signifying complete dedication and love for God. In the New Testament, this concept is echoed in the call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 3:19 and James 4:8. The transformation of the heart enables this genuine return to God, fulfilling His promise of restoration and renewal.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often warning them of impending judgment and calling them to repentance.

2. The Exiles of Judah
The people of Judah who were taken into Babylonian captivity. This verse speaks to the hope and restoration promised to them.

3. Babylon
The place of exile for the people of Judah, representing both judgment and the setting for eventual restoration.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who desires a relationship with His people and promises to restore them.

5. The Heart
In Hebrew thought, the heart ("lev") is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. God promises to transform the hearts of His people.

Teaching Points

God's Initiative in Restoration
God takes the first step in restoring His people by giving them a heart to know Him. This emphasizes His grace and sovereignty in the process of redemption.

The Importance of Knowing God
The heart transformation leads to a deeper knowledge of God. This knowledge is relational, not just intellectual, and is central to the covenant relationship.

Covenant Relationship
The promise "They will be My people, and I will be their God" highlights the covenant relationship God desires with His people. This relationship is marked by mutual commitment and love.

Wholehearted Return
The call to return with all their heart signifies genuine repentance and devotion. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and commitment to God.

Hope in Exile
Even in times of judgment or difficulty, God’s promises offer hope and assurance of restoration. This encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile enhance our comprehension of Jeremiah 24:7?

2. In what ways does the promise of a "heart to know Me" challenge our current understanding of our relationship with God?

3. How can we apply the concept of a covenant relationship with God in our daily lives?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are returning to God with "all our heart"?

5. How do the promises in Jeremiah 24:7 provide hope and encouragement during difficult times in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 30:6
This verse speaks of God circumcising the hearts of His people, which parallels the promise in Jeremiah 24:7 of giving them a heart to know Him.

Ezekiel 36:26-27
God promises to give His people a new heart and spirit, similar to the transformation described in Jeremiah 24:7.

Hebrews 8:10
The New Covenant promise where God writes His laws on the hearts of His people, echoing the relational aspect of Jeremiah 24:7.