Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 31:3

"Jehovah appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." — Jeremiah 31:3 (ASV)

Of old - From afar (margin). See Jeremiah 30:10. To the Jew God was enthroned in Zion, and thus when His mercy was shown to the exiles in Assyria it came from a distant region (2 Chronicles 6:20, 2 Chronicles 6:38).

With lovingkindness ... - Rather, I have continued lovingkindness to you.