Jeremiah 3:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It shall occur that when you multiply, it comes to pass that you multiply. It is far more joyful to increase at home after the return than to return in large numbers at the onset. In times when they do not repeat ktonom... This seems uncertain to me. Some assert that they will not be afraid, while others maintain that they will not require the law, as it is stated, "I will give you a new heart and remove the heart of stone" (Ezekiel 36:26). This signifies that you will receive the Spirit, who will instruct and guide you in all matters, rather than relying on external laws, and the ark of the covenant will no longer be referred to. It shall not dwell upon the heart, meaning the ark shall not be remembered there; the law shall not be present (ἐv αὐτῇ)*.

In ancient times, the Lord proclaimed that they would no longer refer to the ark of the covenant, for it would not dwell in their thoughts, be remembered, or visited by any man. This prophecy found its fulfillment with the advent of Christ and the spreading of the gospel; after this, the ark of the covenant ceased to be of significance, as the Jewish people embraced the law of Christ and found themselves unable to adhere to the Mosaic laws inscribed in the book and contained within the ark without facing condemnation. The act of remembering the ark would no longer inspire observance of its rituals, for the Jewish people were no longer required, in their sacrifices and worship, to follow the directives established by Moses. The priests of Judah would no longer bear the burdens of ceremonial offerings or engage in any of the practices mandated by the Mosaic law that the Jewish community had once been obligated to uphold.

Return to me, O children who are turning back, declares the Lord, for I am your Sovereign, and I will gather you: one from the city and two from the tribe, bringing you into Zion. I will provide you with shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with wisdom and understanding. And when you shall be multiplied and flourish in the land, in those days, says the Lord, they will no longer speak of the ark of the covenant of the Lord; it will not be remembered, nor will it come to mind, nor will it be sought after anymore. The Jewish people believe this was accomplished following their return from Babylon under King Cyrus of Persia and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and even though not all returned, it is reflected in the statement, I will take one from the city and two from the tribe.