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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 3 - Verse 16

3:16
And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Jeremiah speaks about a future time when the people of Israel will no longer remember or visit the ark of the covenant of the Lord. This is a significant departure from the past, where the ark held great importance and was seen as a symbol of God's presence among his people. The verse suggests a shift in focus from physical artifacts to a more spiritual understanding of the relationship between God and his people. It indicates a time when the people will no longer rely on external symbols to connect with God but will instead have a deeper, more personal relationship with him. This prophecy can be seen as a message of hope and renewal, suggesting that God's presence will not be limited to a specific object but will be experienced more fully and intimately by his people.

Theological Overview

From a theological perspective, this verse from Jeremiah 3:16 speaks to a shift in the spiritual relationship between God and His people. The prophecy foretells a time when the Israelites will no longer focus on the physical symbol of their covenant with God, the ark of the covenant. Instead, the emphasis will be on a deeper, more personal connection with the Lord. This transition signifies a move away from mere ritualistic practices to a more profound understanding of faith and obedience. The verse highlights the importance of internalizing the covenant and living in accordance with God's will, rather than relying solely on external symbols. It reminds believers that true devotion to God comes from the heart, not just outward displays of religious observance. As the people grow and prosper, the physical manifestations of their faith will fade into insignificance, giving rise to a more authentic and intimate relationship with God.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, when ye are multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith Jehovah, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of Jehovah; neither shall it come to mind; neither shall they remember it; neither shall they miss it; neither shall it be made any more.
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