Healing Scriptures - Jeremiah 30:17

Who was Jeremiah?

Jeremiah was a prophet called to speak God’s truth to Judah. At the time this passage was written, Israel and Judah were in destitution and headed for destruction. As a result, God stepped in and promised that He would restore health to his people. He assured them that they would not only gain freedom from bondage but that they would also regain their fortunes and possess the land He gave to them. Additionally, while the surrounding verses state that the sins and guilt of His people were numerous, God declares that He will still restore their health and wellbeing as He guides them into redemption.

Jeremiah 30:17 meaning

But what does Jeremiah 30:17 mean for us today? When we search for healing Scriptures in the Bible it can be tempting to forget that God’s people went through many of the same difficulties that we face today. Distressing reports, a technologically-distracted society, a broken spirit, and a hurting body can nag at the edges of our hearts. It is easy to be pulled away from the truth that exists in this verse.

CHM member Amanda Burton discovered that even when we feel broken, God’s incredible healing perseveres, as she found out when He ensured the safe delivery of her daughter.

God restores health

The first part of Jeremiah 30:17 states that God uses restoration to bring back health. He is not only able to restore us, but He makes a strong affirmative statement that he is willing to do so. The Hebrew word for restore is arukah, which means “to recover, to heal, and to restore to health.” The Bible demonstrates that God’s restorative power is different from our natural human concept of how to heal wounds or illnesses. When God restores an aspect of our lives, it is better than it was before.

For example, when we confess Christ as our savior from sin, He not only restores us by entering into a relationship with us, but He also cleanses us and makes us a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). As believers who are cleansed by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we can come to God with our prayers for healing and recovery knowing that God’s grace will be there to meet us in our sickness.

God heals all wounds

The second part of this verse states that God declares He will heal our wounds. Our physical condition is important to Him. Keeping our hope centered upon God and the healing Scriptures found in the Bible will guide us along the right path. His words are life-giving and as a result they are a type of good medicine for our afflictions (Proverbs 15:4).

In Jeremiah, the people of God experienced bondage, sickness and difficulty. Yet God promised a life of restoration and wholeness despite their current circumstances. Even when our afflictions and sicknesses seem overwhelming and we do not see a way out, He is standing with us in the midst of our difficulties. We are not alone in our struggles. He is always present and willing to heal, comfort and love us back to freedom.

God will fight for you

Focusing on Jeremiah 30:17 imparts hope and freedom back to our weary hearts and bodies. When God restores health it is more beautiful than our human minds can comprehend. We can put our faith in the willingness of our Savior to redeem us and lead us back to him. As we keep our eyes on Christ, our physical conditions encounter the one who can truly heal and restore us.