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Jeremiah 33 “The Righteous Branch”

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4–7 minutes

Jeremiah 33 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:                                                             

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

While Jeremiah was confined in the courtyard of the guard by King Zedekiah, the word of the Lord came to him again (vv. 1–2). The Lord tells him that if he calls upon Him, He will answer and reveal to him “great and unsearchable things” (v. 3).

The Lord speaks concerning Judah, which is now occupied by Babylon. Judah had united and fought against Babylon, but in the end, they were defeated (vv. 4–5). Yet the Lord declares that in the future He will bring back the people of Judah who were taken into exile, and He will restore Judah and Jerusalem, which have become ruins (vv. 6–7). When that time comes, the Lord will cleanse them of all their sins (v. 8), and all nations will see the restoration of Jerusalem, be amazed, and praise God (v. 9). Though the land is desolate now, the sounds of joy, gladness, thanksgiving, and praise will return because the Lord will bring the exiles back (vv. 10–11). Even though livestock cannot be found now, on that day shepherds will again tend their flocks in all the towns of Judah (vv. 12–13).

The Lord says, “The days are coming when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah” (v. 14). When that time comes, a “righteous Branch” will spring up from David’s line to execute “justice and righteousness” in the land (v. 15), and the people will confess, “The Lord is our salvation” (v. 16). In that day, the descendants of David will continue to occupy the throne, and the priests will also be restored (vv. 17–18).

Just as the order of day and night does not change, the covenant the Lord made with David and with the Levitical priests will never be broken (vv. 19–22). Although people say that God has rejected His people because even Judah has fallen, the Lord declares that just as the order of creation cannot be shaken, His choosing of Jacob’s descendants will not be revoked, and His promise to David will surely be fulfilled (vv. 23–24). When the time is right, He will certainly restore Israel (vv. 25–26).

Meditation:

The name Zedekiah means “The Lord is righteous.” His name likely expressed the hope that he would become a righteous king, reflecting the Lord’s righteousness. But he was not a righteous king. The 500-year royal line that had continued from David ended with him. Like a once-flourishing tree chopped down at its base, the line of David was cut off. As a result, the “kingdom of priests” established by God came to ruin. The people of Judah lamented, “The Lord has rejected the two kingdoms He chose” (v. 24).

But this was Israel’s failure, not God’s failure. Even when humans fail, God does not fail. The Lord promises that a “righteous Branch” will sprout from David (v. 15). Just as a new shoot grows from the stump of a fallen tree, God would raise up a new king from the descendants of David. Isaiah speaks of the same promise: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit” (Isa. 11:1). Jesse was David’s father. The king who would come from David’s line would bring “justice and righteousness” to the world, and because of Him, people would declare, “The Lord is our salvation” (v. 16).

After this prophecy was recorded, later generations hoped that a new king from David’s house would arise and restore Israel. But this prophecy remained “unfulfilled” in their eyes. Although the exiles returned after seventy years, the Davidic kingship was never reestablished.

Fundamentalist Jewish communities still pray and wait for this prophecy to come true. But Christians believe that the prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. They understand that this promise is not about an earthly kingdom and throne but about the eternal kingdom and everlasting kingship brought by the Messiah. Through this “righteous King,” God established the “new covenant” (31:31) and the “everlasting covenant” (32:40). He rules with “justice and righteousness” (v. 15). This is why we confess, “The Lord is our salvation” (v. 16).

With this understanding, we can see why God instructed Joseph to name the child born of Mary “Jesus” (Matt. 1:21). The Hebrew name “Jesus,” or “Joshua,” means “The Lord is salvation.”

Prayer:

Lord, You are our salvation. In You, there is life, love, and hope. Only You rule with justice and righteousness. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God never fails—even when people fail. Even though the kings and the nation fell apart, God promised to bring hope, healing, and a new King—the “Righteous Branch,” Jesus. God keeps His promises, brings restoration, and saves His people. We can trust God even when everything around us feels broken or uncertain.

  • For Preschool-Elementary:
    • What makes you feel safe when things around you feel scary or confusing?
    • God never fails—can you think of a time when someone helped you when you needed it?
    • Jesus’ name means “The Lord is salvation.” What do you think it means that Jesus came to help and save us?
  • Youth:
    • Jeremiah talks about hope growing like a new branch even after a tree is cut down. Can you think of a moment in your life when something felt “cut down,” but later something good grew out of it? (School change, friendships, family transitions, etc.)
    • God keeps His promises even when people don’t. What is one promise or truth about God that feels important for you to hold onto right now?
    • Jesus is the “Righteous King” who brings justice and righteousness. Where in our community (Fairfax County, your school, your home) do you wish things were fairer or healed?

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