Episode Overview

Podcast: A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace
Episode: S4: Week 39 Day 1: Annotating Jeremiah 31:31-34
Date: September 22, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode guides listeners through an in-depth annotation of Jeremiah 31:31-34, focusing on the biblical theme of the new covenant promised by God. The hosts explore the contrasts between the old and new covenants, highlighting God's central role in instituting this transformative promise and illustrating how this passage points to Jesus and the gospel.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Stage (00:00–00:54)

• The hosts introduce the week’s plan: closely reading passages from Jeremiah 31 and Luke 22 to understand how Jesus fulfills God’s covenant promises.
• Quote:

  “We will see that it is through Jesus's death that God establishes a new covenant with His people.”
  — Co-host (00:45)

2. Reading Jeremiah 31:31-34 (00:54–01:52)

• Alexa reads the entire passage, emphasizing God's repeated promises and declarations.
• Highlights of the passage:
  • Promise of a coming new covenant with Israel and Judah.
  • A new covenant distinct from the one made during the Exodus, which was broken.
  • God’s law will be written on their hearts.
  • Intimate, universal knowledge of God.
  • Complete forgiveness of sin.

3. Annotating the Passage – Contrasts and Theological Insights (01:52–02:23)

• Beth reflects on the significance of annotation, particularly the contrast between old and new covenants.
• The old covenant (with Moses) was broken by people, while the new covenant ensures God's law is internalized.
• Quote:

  “The old covenant was broken and the new one ensures that God's teaching will be within the people.”
  — Co-host (01:59)

4. Attributes of God in Jeremiah 31:31-34 (02:23–03:06)

• Focus on the repetition of “I will”—emphasizing God’s initiative and sovereignty.
• Beth observes the active role of God: virtually every statement is God declaring what He will do.
• List of divine actions in the passage:
  • “I will make a new covenant…”
  • “I took them by the hand…”
  • “I am their master…”
  • “I will put my teaching within them…”
  • “I will be their God…”
  • “I will forgive their iniquity…”
• Quote:

  “Almost every sentence begins with God as the subject. … This emphasizes God’s authority and His lordship. God is saying that He is the one in charge; He is the one who is calling the shots and performing the action here.”
  — Beth (02:45)

5. The Comfort of “I Will” (03:06–03:22)

• Alexa remarks on the comfort and reassurance of these divine promises.
• Quote:

  “I always love seeing the repetition of ‘I will’ in Scripture because it just really shows how God is the one who makes so many things happen.”
  — Alexa (03:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We will see that it is through Jesus's death that God establishes a new covenant with His people.”
  — Co-host (00:45)
• “The old covenant was broken and the new one ensures that God's teaching will be within the people.”
  — Co-host (01:59)
• “Almost every sentence begins with God as the subject… This emphasizes God's authority and his lordship.”
  — Beth (02:45)
• “I always love seeing the repetition of ‘I will’ in Scripture because it just really shows how God is the one who makes so many things happen.”
  — Alexa (03:09)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Welcome and episode introduction | | 00:37 | This week’s Scripture focus announced | | 00:54 | Full reading of Jeremiah 31:31-34 | | 01:52 | Discussion of annotating the passage and covenant contrasts | | 02:24 | Highlighting God's attributes and agency in the new covenant | | 03:06 | Reflection on the significance of “I will” in the passage | | 03:22 | Episode wrap-up (content ends) |

Summary

This episode provides a concise yet rich exploration of Jeremiah 31:31-34, encouraging listeners to see the passage as a pivotal moment in God’s unfolding story—a promise not only of a new covenant but of an intimate, transformative relationship initiated by God Himself. The hosts draw out the repeated theme of God’s “I will,” underscoring the theological truth that God is the actor who secures and sustains His promises. The session closes with anticipation for deeper exploration throughout the week, linking Jeremiah’s prophecy to its fulfillment in Christ.