Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 30:21

21 And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governour shall proceed from the midst of them , and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me : for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD .

This promise was made good in Zorobabel, and other Governours of the Iews after their return out of captivity, till they came to be subdued by the Romans. Some restrain this unto Christ, and make it a prophesie of Christ, being born of the Jewish Nation, it is he they say that was meant by David, verse 9. and it is not improbable that the sense of the Text may reach unto Christ, but it seems literally to be understood of Zorobabel, and to be opposed to strangers ruling over them, which was no small piece of their calamity, while they were in captivity.

That is he shall serve me, and I will favour him, or this people shall serve me, and I will favour them, and not be as one at distance, or far off from them. Some understand this of the civil Governour that should be after the Captivity, some understand it of the people, some understand it of Christ; those that understand it of the Governour, make it to signifie the special favour that Governour should be in with God, and his Religion. Those that understand it of the people, make it to signifie the Religion of the people, and the favour they should be in with God. Those who understand it of Christ, interpret it of his favour with God, by whom also the Saints have their access.

Interpreters are yet more divided about this phrase; some apply it to Christ, either as an admiration of his excellency, or as denoting that none but he could draw near to God in that manner as he did, nor had any such a delight in the sons of men as he; so as for him to be a Mediator betwixt offenders, and an offended God: None but he durst look in the face of an Angry God. Others understand it of Gods people intimating that in the day when they should return out of Captivity there would be but few, that with any serious purpose of heart would apply themselves unto God, or signifying the impotency that is in man heartily to draw nigh to God, till (as it is before said) God causeth him so to do; and some think the words have a reference to the Covenant mentioned in the next verse.