Podcast Summary: A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace

Episode: S4: Week 39 Day 2 - Going Deeper in Jeremiah 31:31-34
Date: September 23, 2025
Hosts: Beth and Alexa

Episode Overview

This episode explores Jeremiah 31:31-34 and its central place in the story of the Bible, with a special focus on the transition from the Mosaic (old) covenant to the promise of a new covenant. The hosts, Beth and Alexa, unpack the historical context, the significance of this prophetic passage, and how it ultimately points to Jesus. The conversation highlights God’s unwavering faithfulness, even in the face of persistent human disobedience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context of Jeremiah 31 (00:36–01:45)

• Historical Setting:
  • Jeremiah prophesied during Judah’s exile into Babylon, after the fall of the kingdom and the destruction of the temple.
  • The people experienced the consequences of their sustained disobedience and idolatry.
• Purpose of Jeremiah’s Prophecies:
  • Many prophecies explained the cause of exile but also brought messages of hope for eventual restoration and return.
  • Even as Jeremiah tells the people exile will be lengthy, he assures them it will someday end.

Quote:
"But in the midst of all of this bad news that Jeremiah is delivering, he's also proclaiming messages of hope. … But God would eventually make a new covenant with them that could not be broken."
— Beth (01:25)

2. Understanding the Old and New Covenants (01:45–03:20)

• Old (Mosaic) Covenant:
  • Established at the exodus with commandments and laws (the Ten Commandments, etc.).
  • Required Israel’s obedience: “If they keep these laws and worship him alone. They would be his people and he would be their God.” (Beth, 02:17)
  • Israel repeatedly failed to uphold their commitment; the Old Testament records continual disobedience.
• Need for a New Covenant:
  • The people felt hopeless, unable to fulfill their side due to the depth of sin.
  • God promises a “new covenant”:
    • Not just the declaration of laws, but a transformation: "to write it on their hearts."
    • Brings the promise of forgiveness of sins and a genuine, unbreakable relationship with God.

Quote:
"But now he promises to not just tell them the law, but to write it on their hearts. And this is why the passage ends with the promise to forgive sin. They would be given a fresh start."
— Beth (02:55)

3. God’s Character Revealed (03:20–04:27)

• God’s Persistent Faithfulness:
  • Despite generations of rebellion, God does not give up on his people—on the contrary, he doubles down in love and commitment.
  • God’s faithfulness stands in contrast to human unfaithfulness.
• The Cost of Faithfulness:
  • Remaining faithful “was really going to cost God a lot”—hinting at the sacrificial fulfillment through Jesus.
  • God’s promise of restoration is rooted in his deep love for his people.

Quotes:

• "God could so easily have just given up on these rebellious people. … We deserve God to give up on us."
  — Beth (03:49)

• "Remaining faithful to such an unfaithful people was really going to cost God a lot. … He would only stick it out this long and continue to promise restoration if he deeply loved his people."
  — Beth (04:00)

• "I will never be tired of talking about God's faithfulness."
  — Alexa (04:27)

Notable Moments & Quotes

• Beth’s Summary of the Old Covenant’s Failure: (02:15)
  "The rest of the Old Testament story, after they were delivered from Egypt, is basically just story after story of them breaking God's laws and worshiping other gods again and again until they are finally sent into exile."

• Alexa on the Prophets: (01:45)
  "The prophets can be a little tough because of their continual discussion of judgment. But it's always encouraging to see how God also provides hope."

• Beth on the Promise of Restoration: (03:58)
  "He would only stick it out this long and continue to promise restoration if he deeply loved his people."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:36 – Introduction to Jeremiah 31 and its placement in the biblical story
• 01:25 – Exile, disobedience, and the promise of hope
• 02:02–03:20 – Old Covenant explained, New Covenant promised, the need for transformation
• 03:37 – What Jeremiah 31 reveals about the character of God
• 04:27 – The beauty of God’s faithfulness and consistency

Tone & Style

The hosts use a conversational, encouraging, and accessible tone, making complex theological ideas relatable. They emphasize the consistency of God’s character and the way that each biblical passage—no matter how steeped in judgment—is ultimately a pointer to Christ and a testament of God’s love.

Summary

This episode offers a rich, hope-filled examination of Jeremiah 31:31-34, situating the passage within Israel’s history of failure and God’s unwavering love. The discussion provides clarity about the distinction between the old and new covenants, the transformative promise at the heart of Christianity, and the gospel’s roots deep within the Old Testament narrative. Through all, listeners are invited to reflect on the depth of God’s faithfulness and the assurance that “God would be their God, and they would be his people”—a promise unbreakable in Christ.