John Calvin Commentary Jeremiah 33:10-11

"Thus saith Jehovah: Yet again there shall be heard in this place, whereof ye say, It is waste, without man and without beast, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant and without beast, the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that say, Give thanks to Jehovah of hosts, for Jehovah is good, for his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever; [and of them] that bring [sacrifices of] thanksgiving into the house of Jehovah. For I will cause the captivity of the land to return as at the first, saith Jehovah." — Jeremiah 33:10-11 (ASV)

These two verses are connected and have been improperly divided, for the sentence is not complete. In the first place we have, Yet shall be heard, but what? The voice of joy, etc., as we find in the following verse.

Jeremiah confirms extensively what he had taught concerning the return of the people, because many strong supports were needed so that the faithful might proceed in their course with confidence. It was indeed difficult to gather courage during such a great calamity. Even if they had a short time to breathe, new trials constantly arising might have cast them down and left them prostrate. It is no wonder, then, that the Prophet here speaks at length about that favor which was considered incredible; furthermore, the memory of it might not have always remained fixed in the hearts of the faithful if repeated confirmation had not been given.

He again introduces God as the speaker, so that the promise might have more effect. Again, he says, shall be heard in this place—even in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem—the voice of joy, etc. He repeats what we noticed yesterday: that the Jews put every obstacle they could in the way of their restoration.

The narrowness of our hearts, we know, in a way excludes access for God’s favor; for being filled, indeed swollen, with unbelief, we do not allow God’s grace to enter into us. So the Jews, by desponding and imagining that their calamity was incurable and that no remedy was to be expected, rejected as far as they could the promised favor of deliverance.

This, then, is what the Prophet again rebukes them for: namely, that they said that the whole country and all the cities were destroyed, so that neither man nor beast remained. This was, indeed, the fact at that time, and the Jews had spoken correctly.

But, as was said yesterday, the ungodly never feel the scourges of God without rushing headlong into despair. What is condemned, then, is this: that the Jews thought that they were to perish without any hope of deliverance.

Hence the Prophet here reproves their unbelief and at the same time exhorts them to entertain hope. Yet he testifies that God’s grace would surpass all their wickedness.

Heard then shall be the voice of joy, and the voice of gladness; the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride; that is, marriages shall again be celebrated. This way of speaking often occurs in the Prophets when they refer to the joyful condition of the city and of the people, for in seasons of mourning no one thinks of marrying a wife, so that marriage-feasts then cease, as well as all festivals. Then the Prophet briefly shows that God would put an end to the calamities of the people and give them reasons for rejoicing after he had for a time punished their sins.

But he also shows what kind of joy their joy would be: The voice of them who shall say, Praise ye Jehovah of hosts. Here he distinguishes between the faithful and the ungodly, for joy is common to both when prosperity happens to them; for God’s children may rejoice when the Lord shows himself to them as a bountiful Father.

But the profane exult with intemperate joy and, at the same time, make no mention of God, for they live only on present things. The faithful, however, raise their thoughts to God and never rejoice without thanksgiving. Thus they consecrate and sanctify their joy, while the ungodly, by polluting God’s blessing, also contaminate their joy.

We ought then to take special notice of this difference which the Prophet here indicates between godly and profane joy. For the children of this world do indeed exult but, as we have said, immoderately in their joy; they are unthankful to God and never duly reflect on his goodness. Indeed, they deliberately turn away their eyes and their thoughts from God.

The faithful, however, always have regard for God whenever things go well for them, for they know that everything flows to them from God’s goodness alone.

Hence he says, Heard shall be the voice of them who shall say, Praise ye Jehovah, for he is good, etc. The Prophet here alludes to the customary practice of singing, which is spoken of in sacred history.

For we know that when the Temple was dedicated, the praises of God were celebrated, and the Levites always sang, For his mercy is for ever. They first exhorted others to praise God, and to every sentence this repetition was added: For his mercy is for ever.

So the Prophet refers to what had formerly been in common use: Heard then shall be that usual song, Praise ye Jehovah, for his mercy is for ever.

He then adds, Of them who shall bring praise to the house of Jehovah; for I will restore the captivity of the land. He mentions sacrifices, because the service according to the Law required that these be added as evidences of gratitude.

God indeed had no need of sacrifices, nor did he delight in external displays; but these exercises of religion were necessary for an unrefined people, still learning the elements of truth.

The Prophet then speaks here with reference to a particular time. When he connects sacrifices with praises and thanksgiving, he nevertheless shows for what purpose God required sacrifices to be then offered to him, lest the Jews should think that God was pacified when a calf had been slain.

He then shows that all this had been prescribed to them and enjoined for this end: that they might show themselves thankful.

This metonymical mode of speaking should then be carefully observed; for from this we conclude that sacrifices in themselves were of no importance, but were only acceptable and a pleasing aroma to God on this account: because they were evidences of gratitude.

He then adds, To the house of Jehovah. Now, this also should finally be noted: it is not sufficient for one to be thankful to God, but public thanksgiving is also required, so that we may mutually encourage one another.

We also know that confession should not be separated from faith; as faith has its seat in the heart, so also outward confession proceeds from it. Therefore, it is inevitable that the inner feeling must break forth from the soul, and the tongue be connected with the heart.

It follows from this that all those are guilty of falsehood who say that they have faith within but are at the same time silent and, as far as they can, unworthily bury the benefits of God.

And as I have said, this zeal is required of all the godly, so that they may encourage one another to praise God. For it was for this purpose and for this reason that express mention is made of the Temple: that is, that the faithful might understand that God is to be worshipped not only privately and behind closed doors, but also that a public profession should be made, so that they may together with common consent celebrate and acknowledge his benefits and blessings.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, that as we do not cease to separate ourselves often from you, we may at least know that reconciliation is prepared for us, provided we seek it by a true and sincere faith in your only-begotten Son. May we so return to you as truly to loathe ourselves on account of our sins. And, relying on your infinite mercy, may we never doubt that you will be reconciled to us, until, having finally finished our present course of life and being cleansed from all the pollutions of the flesh, we shall be clothed with that celestial glory which your Son by his death and resurrection has obtained for us. Amen.