Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 31:15-17

"Thus saith Jehovah: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children; she refuseth to be comforted for her children, because they are not. Thus saith Jehovah: Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith Jehovah; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope for thy latter end, saith Jehovah; and [thy] children shall come again to their own border." — Jeremiah 31:15-17 (ASV)

1. Here the consolation of the nations is given.

1. He introduces the weeping of a mother: Rachel, who was the mother of Joseph, weeping for the destruction of her children. He is speaking figuratively—using what is called hyperbole—of dead parents whose sadness overflows because of their children's misfortune.

   This could also be because during the Roman captivity, Jewish captives were led past Rachel's tomb and sold. Alternatively, she is figuratively said to mourn the children who were slain near her, since she was buried near Bethlehem (Genesis 35:19).

   The text then defines several terms: lamentation, which is made with words expressing grief; wailing, which refers to the shedding of tears; and grief, which refers to a specific observance in expressing sorrow, such as changing one's garments and other similar customs. As it is written elsewhere: a voice was heard on the roads, the crying and the wailing of the children of Israel, for they have made their way wicked, and have forgotten the Lord their God (Jeremiah 3:21).

   He then points out the lack of consolation: and she refuses to be comforted for them, because they are not. This means they have not returned with the others, because they have been brought to nothing. Consolation is hidden from my eyes, because he shall make a separation between brothers (Hosea 13:14–15).

2. He applies the remedy of consolation: thus says the Lord: let your voice be still, referring to lamentation, and your eyes, referring to weeping. God shall wipe every tear from the eyes of his saints; and death shall be no more, neither mourning, nor crying, nor grief anymore, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:4).

3. He promises the benefit of liberation:

   1. Concerning the starting point of the liberation, for there is a reward. This shows that they were freed by the merits of their holy fathers. The enemy refers to the Chaldeans. Behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him (Isaiah 40:10).

   2. Concerning the goal to which the liberation is directed: and there is hope for your future. This signifies that in the last days they will be converted to the true faith and perhaps even return to their own land after the death of the Antichrist. The expectation of the just is gladness, but the hope of the wicked shall perish (Proverbs 10:28).