Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 31:23-26

"Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, Yet again shall they use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity: Jehovah bless thee, O habitation of righteousness, O mountain of holiness. And Judah and all the cities thereof shall dwell therein together, the husbandmen, and they that go about with flocks. For I have satiated the weary soul, and every sorrowful soul have I replenished. Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me." — Jeremiah 31:23-26 (ASV)

1. Here is the consolation provided for the two tribes in particular:

   First is the joyful announcement, because He announces the holiness of their religion: they will still say, "Lord," and praise His temple, not idols. beauty of justice, O holy mountain. This refers to Mount Zion, for from there the teaching of the Law and judgment spread throughout the whole kingdom because of the priests and kings who lived there. The Lord is great, and worthy to be praised, and of his greatness there is no end (Psalms 144:3). Alternatively, the mountain is Christ. A stone cut from the mountain (Daniel 2:34).

   He also promises the security of peace: and they will live there. No more shall you be called forsaken, nor shall your land any more be called desolate; but you shall be called, ‘My delight is in her,’ and your land shall be inhabited (Isaiah 62:4).

   He also promises an abundance of good things: for I have satisfied—that is, I have filled abundantly—the weary soul from its former tribulations. For he has filled the empty soul, and the hungry soul he has filled with good things (Psalms 106:9).

   Second is the exultation of the one announcing these things: Therefore, I awoke as if from a sleep, by divine revelation. It was sweet because of the prosperity I saw. These could also be the words of the people, with the sleep signifying their preceding misery. It is sweet because they obtain mercy. I have slept, and taken my rest, and risen, for the Lord has upheld me (Psalms 3:6). Sleep is sweet to the laborer, whether he eat little, or much (Ecclesiastes 5:11).