Hope in The Return

God promised a new covenant that came with a new heart. This hope led the Israelites to return to their promised land, but their failure continued until Christ came to usher in the new covenant.
The Isralites returned to Jerusalem hanging onto hope in God's promise of a new covenant - one where He would give them new hearts and minds that would desire His law. But though this hope brought them back, they attempted to achieve the new covenant in their efforts and works. It isn't until Jesus comes that the new covenant is offered - one that offers transformation by the Spirit. This is the hope we live in today.