Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 33:14-17

"Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will perform that good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah. In those days, and at that time, will I cause a Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; and this is [the name] whereby she shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness. For thus saith Jehovah: David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel;" — Jeremiah 33:14-17 (ASV)

1. This provides consolation regarding the kingdom and the priesthood.

   1. The restoration of both is promised.

      1. The restoration of the kingdom is promised. This has three aspects:

         1. He indicates the appropriateness of the time: behold, the days are coming—the days of grace—that I shall stir up, meaning, I will fulfill, the good word which I promised concerning the restoration of the kingdom. And the children of Judah shall be gathered, and the children of Israel likewise, and they shall appoint for themselves one head, and he shall go up from the land (Hosea 1:11). This was fulfilled in Christ.

         2. The nature of the kingdom is described with regard to the nobility of its ruler: in those days, I will make to spring forth for David the shoot of justice, who is Christ, justice itself. A rod shall go forth from Jesse, and a flower shall come up from his root (Isaiah 11:1).

            And he shall execute judgment—in his first coming on behalf of the world, and in his second coming to the world. He shall execute justice by teaching in word, fulfilling it in himself by deed, and in others by the gift of grace. I have done judgment and justice (Psalms 118:121).

            It is also described with regard to the usefulness of the ruler for the salvation of the people: in those days shall Judah be saved, referring to those who believed in his first coming and will believe in his second. I shall save them by the Lord their God (Hosea 1:7). This includes the security of peace: and Israel shall dwell confidently. My people shall dwell in the beauty of peace, and the tabernacles of confidence, and in abundant rest (Isaiah 32:18). It also includes the confession of the true faith: and this is the name . . . the LORD our just one. Just are you, O Lord, and righteous is your judgment (Psalms 118:137).

         3. He speaks of the duration of the kingdom: for thus says the LORD: there shall not perish from David a man, meaning Christ and his kingdom. His power is an everlasting power, which shall not be taken away, and his a kingdom which shall not be destroyed (Daniel 7:14).

      2. The restoration of the priesthood is promised, as stated in the verse, and of the priests and Levites there shall not perish a man (Jeremiah 33:18).

   2. The confirmation of the promise is given, beginning at and the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 33:19).