4 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:”
2 This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the eunuchs, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metal workers had departed from Jerusalem.
3 Send to all the exiles, saying, “Thus says the Lord concerning Shemaiah of Nehelam: Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you when I did not send him, and has made you trust in a lie,
4 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:”
5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.
6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.
7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream,
9 For they are prophesying falsely to you in my name; I have not sent them, declares the Lord.
10 “For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place.
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
14 I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
15 Because you have said, “The Lord has raised up prophets for us in Babylon,”
16 Thus says the Lord concerning the king who sits on the throne of David, and concerning all the people who dwell in this city, your kinsmen who did not go out with you into exile:
17 Thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I am sending on them sword, famine, and pestilence, and I will make them like vile figs that are so rotten they cannot be eaten.
18 I will pursue them with sword, famine, and pestilence, and will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, a terror, a hissing, and a reproach among all the nations where I have driven them,
19 because they did not pay attention to my words, declares the Lord, that I persistently sent to you by my servants the prophets, but you would not listen, declares the Lord.’
20 Hear the word of the Lord, all you exiles whom I sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon:
21 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning Ahab the son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, who are prophesying a lie to you in my name: Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he shall strike them down before your eyes.”
22 Because of them, all who are exiled from Judah are in Babylon.
23 because they have done an outrageous thing in Israel, they have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and they have spoken in my name lying words that I did not command them. I am the one who knows, and I am witness, declares the Lord.
24 To Shemaiah of Nehelam you shall say:
25 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Because you have sent letters in your name to all the people who are in Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,”
26 The Lord has made you priest instead of Jehoiada the priest, to have charge in the house of the Lord over every madman who prophesies, to put him in the stocks and neck irons.
27 Now then, why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth who is prophesying to you?
28 For he has sent to us in Babylon, saying, “Your exile will be long; build houses and live in them, and plant gardens and eat their produce.”
29 And Zephaniah the priest read this letter in the hearing of Jeremiah the prophet.
30 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah:
31 “Send to all the exiles, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord concerning Shemaiah of Nehelam: Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you when I did not send him, and has made you trust in a lie,”
32 therefore thus says the Lord: Behold, I will punish Shemaiah of Nehelam and his descendants. He shall not have anyone living among this people, and he shall not see the good that I will do to my people, declares the Lord, for he has spoken rebellion against the Lord.
The True Meaning of Jeremiah 29
The book of Jeremiah was written by the prophet Jeremiah, a man called by God to speak His words to the people of Judah during a tumultuous time in their history. Jeremiah’s ministry spanned several decades, from the reign of King Josiah to the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. Jeremiah addresses the Israelites who have been taken into exile in Babylon in this chapter. He offers them a message of hope, even in the midst of their captivity. Jeremiah encourages the people to settle in Babylon, build homes, and seek the welfare of the city, for their exile will be lengthy. He also warns them against the false prophets who promise a quick return to Jerusalem, reminding them that God’s plan is for a time of restoration after 70 years.
Jeremiah’s words echo the sentiments found in Psalm 137, where the Israelites lament their captivity in a foreign land. Yet, Jeremiah’s message points to a future hope, a time when God will fulfill His promise to bring His people back to their homeland and restore their relationship with Him.
Jeremiah 29:1-3
Jeremiah sent the text of the letter from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles, as well as to the priests, the prophets, and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.” This opening section of the chapter sets the stage for the message that Jeremiah is about to convey to the Israelites who have been taken into captivity in Babylon. It shows the specific audience that Jeremiah is addressing – the elders, priests, prophets, and all the other exiles.
This communication from Jeremiah to the exiles is significant because it demonstrates God’s continued care and concern for His people even in the midst of their exile. Despite the difficult circumstances they find themselves in, God has not forgotten them, and He is using Jeremiah as a conduit to convey His message of hope and restoration to the exiles. This serves as a reminder that even when we are in challenging situations, God is still present and working on our behalf.
The mention of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon who had carried the Israelites into exile, is a reminder of the consequences of the nation’s disobedience and idolatry. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where disobedience to God’s commands leads to unfavorable outcomes. However, even in these situations, God’s mercy and love shine through, as seen in His continued communication with His people through prophets like Jeremiah.
This section also highlights the role of prophets in delivering God’s messages to His people. Prophets were instrumental in conveying God’s word, calling people to repentance, and offering guidance and encouragement in times of trouble. Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, endured much hardship and persecution for faithfully delivering God’s messages to the people of Israel. His obedience serves as a powerful example of standing firm in faith regardless of the circumstances. The theme of exile and restoration is significant in the broader context of the Bible. The exile of the Israelites to Babylon was a pivotal event in their history, marking a period of punishment for their disobedience. However, even in exile, God’s promise of restoration and redemption remained. This theme of exile and return is woven throughout the Old Testament, ultimately pointing to the ultimate restoration and redemption through Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Verses such as Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” underscore God’s faithfulness and His promise to His people, both then and now.
Jeremiah 29:4-7
The verse in Jeremiah 29:4-7 can be broken down into a few important sections that hold significant meanings. Firstly, it starts by stating, “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon”. This sets the context of the passage, referring to the Israelites who were exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon. This exile was a pivotal event in the history of Israel, as it was a consequence of their disobedience and turning away from God. The Israelites found themselves in a foreign land, far from their familiar surroundings, facing uncertainty and challenges.
The next part of the verse goes on to say, “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters”. Here, God instructs the exiled Israelites to not only accept their current situation but to also thrive in it. God is emphasizing the importance of perseverance, faithfulness, and continuity even in difficult circumstances by encouraging them to build homes, cultivate the land, and grow their families. This teaches us the lesson of making the best of our present circumstances, trusting in God’s plan, and being productive despite our challenges.
Furthermore, the verse continues with the admonition, “Increase in number there; do not decrease”. This message is a reminder of God’s promise to the Israelites to prosper them even in the midst of their exile. It underscores the idea that God’s plans for His people are not limited by their circumstances. This echoes the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 22:17, where He promised to bless him and multiply his descendants. It serves as a reassurance that even in times of exile or hardship, God has a plan for His people to prosper and grow.
Lastly, the verse concludes with God’s directive, “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper”. This command is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of seeking the welfare of the community or society in which one finds themselves, even if it is not their homeland. The Israelites were being called to be agents of God’s love and peace in the midst of a foreign land by seeking the peace and prosperity of Babylon. This concept of seeking the welfare of the city they are in, even in exile, reflects Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:14-16, where He calls us to be the light of the world and to let our good deeds shine before others. Jeremiah 29:4-7 carries timeless messages of resilience, faithfulness, productivity, and community engagement even in challenging circumstances. It reminds us that God is present with us in all seasons of life, and His plans for us are for prosperity and not harm. The passage encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty, make the best of our current situations, and be agents of peace and prosperity wherever we find ourselves.
Jeremiah 29:8-9
The verses in Jeremiah 29:8-9 state, “For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the Lord.”” This passage is a warning from the prophet Jeremiah to the exiled Israelites in Babylon to not heed the false prophesies and dreams of the false prophets and diviners among them.
Jeremiah was a prophet who was faithful to proclaim the true word of God, despite facing opposition and rejection. He warned the people of Israel about the consequences of their disobedience and urged them to turn back to God. Here, he is cautioning them against listening to false prophets who claim to speak for God but are actually deceivers. This serves as a timeless reminder for all believers to discern carefully the sources of spiritual guidance they follow and to test every spirit against the truth of God’s Word.
Throughout the Bible, there are instances where false prophets led people astray. Jesus in the New Testament also warns about false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15). The apostle John instructs believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1). This theme of discernment between true and false prophets is crucial for believers to guard their faith and not be swayed by deceptive teachings.
The call to discernment highlighted in these verses is a call to faithfulness to God’s revealed truth. It underscores the importance of knowing the Scripture and being rooted in the Word of God to avoid being misled by false teachings. The exhortation from Jeremiah serves as a caution for believers to be vigilant in discerning what they accept as divine revelation and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. This message remains relevant today, emphasizing the need for believers to be grounded in the truth of God’s Word in the face of various forms of deception and false teachings.
Jeremiah 29:10-14
Jeremiah in Jeremiah 29:10-14 delivers a message to the Israelites who had been exiled to Babylon. Let’s break down these verses into important sections for a more detailed commentary.
Firstly, in verse 10, it is stated, “This is what the Lord says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.’” This section is crucial as it reveals God’s plan for the Israelites in exile. Despite their current situation, God assures them that after seventy years in Babylon, he will bring them back to their homeland. This shows God’s faithfulness to His promises, even in times of discipline.
The mention of seventy years is significant because it echoes the prophecy in Jeremiah 25:11-12 where it was prophesied that the Israelites would serve the king of Babylon for seventy years. This aligns with the concept of divine judgment and restoration, demonstrating that God’s timing is precise and His plans are carried out according to His will.
Moving on to verses 11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Here, God reassures the exiled Israelites that His intentions towards them are positive. He promises a future filled with hope and prosperity, emphasizing the importance of seeking Him in prayer with sincerity.
This section highlights God’s sovereignty and His desire for His people to turn back to Him wholeheartedly. Through prayer and seeking God, the Israelites would rediscover their relationship with Him and find solace in His presence. This message of hope and restoration is not only relevant to the exiled Israelites but resonates with all believers, emphasizing the power of prayer and seeking God diligently in all circumstances.
Lastly, in verse 14, it says, “I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Here, God reiterates His promise to restore the Israelites from captivity, gathering them from all the nations where they had been scattered. This act of gathering symbolizes God’s unwavering love and commitment to His people, bringing them back to their rightful place.
This promise of restoration and gathering echoes other biblical accounts such as the return of the Israelites from Egypt or the future gathering of all believers in Christ during the final days (Matthew 24:31). It illustrates God’s redemptive plan for His people throughout history, showcasing His power to bring back those who have been scattered and to fulfill His promises of restoration and salvation. Jeremiah 29:10-14 holds a timeless message of hope, restoration, and the faithfulness of God even in times of exile or hardship. It reminds believers to trust in God’s plans, to seek Him earnestly through prayer, and to hold onto the promise of a future filled with hope. This passage serves as a beacon of encouragement for all who are going through challenging times, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith and to trust in God’s promises of restoration and deliverance.
Jeremiah 29:15-19
The Lord gives a specific warning to the Israelites through the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 29:15-19. Let’s break down this verse into important sections to understand its significance in the larger context of Jeremiah 29.
Firstly, in verse 15, the Lord mentions false prophets who have been prophesying lies in His name, causing the people to stray from Him. Many false prophets among the Israelites were misleading the people with promises of a quick restoration to their homeland from exile during the time of Jeremiah in the historical context of this verse. These false prophets were preaching messages that contradicted the word of the true prophets like Jeremiah, who were speaking the truth of God’s judgment and the need for repentance. The consequence for following these false prophets is severe – death by sword and famine in verse 16. This serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of discerning the true word of God from deceitful messages. The Lord is emphasizing the seriousness of following falsehood and the consequences that come with it. This is a timeless message that reminds us of the importance of seeking and adhering to the truth of God’s Word in the midst of deceptive teachings.
Moving on to verse 17, the people of Israel are encouraged to not only ignore the false prophets but rather to listen to the voice of the true prophets like Jeremiah who were speaking on behalf of the Lord. Obedience to the word of God through His chosen messengers is highlighted here as the way to avoid calamity and destruction. This reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience to God’s commands leading to blessings, while disobedience leads to consequences. The Lord reiterates the judgment that will befall those who have listened to the lies of the false prophets in verse 18. Their names will become a curse, an object of horror, reproach, and ridicule. This serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of following false teachings and straying from God’s truth. It is a call to repentance and a warning against the dangers of falling into deception.
Finally, in verse 19, there is a promise of deliverance for those among the Israelites who have remained faithful to the Lord despite the pervasive falsehood surrounding them. God assures them that they will eventually be restored and find favor in His sight. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His people even in times of judgment and exile. It reinforces the biblical truth that God rewards those who seek Him diligently and remain steadfast in their faith even amidst challenging circumstances. Jeremiah 29:15-19 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of discerning the true word of God, following false teachings, obeying God’s commands, facing judgment for disobedience, and trusting in God’s faithfulness to His faithful ones. This passage challenges us to be vigilant in discerning truth from deception, obedient to God’s Word, and unwavering in our faith, trusting in His promises of deliverance and restoration.
Jeremiah 29:20-23
Several key sections in Jeremiah 29:20-23 are significant for deeper reflection and understanding. Let’s break it down step by step:
Verse 20: “You, therefore, shall not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your soothsayers, or your sorcerers, who are saying to you, ‘You shall not serve the king of Babylon.’”
Here, Jeremiah is warning the exiled Israelites in Babylon not to listen to false prophets who were assuring them of a quick return to their homeland and advising them not to submit to Babylon’s rule. This is a crucial reminder for believers to discern the words we hear and to test them against the truth of God’s Word. Throughout the Bible, false prophets have been a recurring problem, leading people astray with their deceptive messages. It highlights the importance of staying grounded in the truth of God’s word and not being swayed by smooth-talking deceivers.
Verse 21: “For I have not sent them, declares the Lord, yet they are prophesying falsely in my name, so I will drive you out and you will perish, you and the prophets who are prophesying to you.”
This verse emphasizes the severity of false prophecy and the consequences that come with misleading God’s people. The Lord makes it clear that these false prophets have not been sent by Him, yet they arrogantly speak falsehoods in His name. The judgment pronounced against both the false prophets and those who heed their words serves as a stark warning about the dangers of false teachings and the importance of discerning true prophecy from deception. It echoes the sentiment expressed in Deuteronomy 18:20-22, where false prophets are warned of their impending punishment for leading people away from God.
Verse 22: “Then I will make you a byword and a hissing among all the peoples of the earth.”
This verse underscores the shame and disgrace that will befall the Israelites if they continue to follow the false prophets and rebel against God’s instructions through Jeremiah. The concept of being a “byword and a hissing” signifies being a reproach and a source of mockery among other nations. This serves as a sobering reminder that disobedience to God not only brings personal consequences but also tarnishes the reputation of God’s chosen people. It reflects instances like the Israelites’ disobedience in the wilderness, leading to prolonged suffering and reproach (Numbers 14:22-23).
Verse 23: “Because you have spoken iniquity and have seduced my people, I have not sent them. They have no knowledge, and the people to whom they prophesy will be overthrown. The Lord reiterates the reason for the judgment that will come upon both the false prophets and the Israelites who listen to them in this final verse. The false prophets are accused of speaking wickedness and leading God’s people astray through deception. Their lack of true knowledge and understanding of God’s ways is highlighted, leading to the eventual downfall of those who put their trust in them. Proverbs 14:12 warns that there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from God and watching out for false teachings that can lead us away from His truth. Jeremiah 29:20-23 serves as a profound reminder of the dangers of false prophecy, the importance of discerning truth from deception, and the consequences of disobedience to God’s word. It calls us to be vigilant in testing every spirit against the truth of Scripture and to stay faithful to the Lord even in the face of enticing but misleading messages. The timeless message of this passage resonates with believers today, urging us to anchor our faith in the unchanging and trustworthy Word of God.
Jeremiah 29:24-28
Verse 24 of Jeremiah 29 starts with the prophet Jeremiah addressing a letter to two individuals named Shemaiah and Zephaniah. These two men had sent a letter to the exiles in Babylon, claiming to speak on behalf of the Lord and declaring that they would soon be returning home. However, Jeremiah, as the true prophet of God, rebukes them for their false prophecies. This section highlights the prevalence of false prophets during the time of Jeremiah and the importance of discerning true messages from God.
The situation described in this verse serves as a cautionary tale against false prophets and the danger of misleading God’s people. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, warning believers to test the spirits to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1). The letter from Shemaiah and Zephaniah aimed to bring false hope to the exiles, while Jeremiah, a genuine prophet, was delivering God’s true message of a seventy-year exile as stated earlier in Jeremiah 29:10.
Jeremiah’s response to Shemaiah and Zephaniah is a reminder of the responsibility that comes with prophesying in the name of the Lord. Prophets were expected to speak only what God had revealed to them, and false prophecy was a serious offense. False prophets were to be put to death, as made clear in Deuteronomy 18:20-22. This underscores the severity of falsely claiming to speak on behalf of God and the importance of upholding the truth. Jeremiah 29 sheds light on the political and social dynamics in the time of the Babylonian exile through the mention of Shemaiah and Zephaniah. These individuals were likely figures of influence among the exiles, attempting to sway public opinion with their false promises. The presence of such characters emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant and discerning in distinguishing the genuine word of God from deceptive teachings. Jeremiah 29:24-28 serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of false prophecy and the importance of upholding the truth of God’s word. It highlights the timeless message of discernment, obedience to God’s revealed truth, and the consequences of misleading others in the name of the Lord. We, as believers, are called to test all teachings against the standard of scripture and be wary of those who claim to speak for God without His true guidance.
Jeremiah 29:29-32
Zephaniah the priest read the letter to the prophet Jeremiah. None of his line will see the good things I will do for my people, declares the Lord, because he has preached rebellion against me.’”
This passage includes several significant components. Firstly, it mentions Zephaniah the priest who is tasked with reading the letter to Jeremiah. Priests in the Bible held important roles in mediating between the people and God, offering sacrifices, and interpreting the law. Zephaniah’s involvement indicates the formal communication and recognition of the prophecy being relayed to Jeremiah.
The passage also introduces Shemaiah the Nehelamite, who is falsely prophesying to the exiles. This event serves as a cautionary tale about discerning true prophets from false ones. Throughout the Bible, there are warnings about false prophets who lead people astray, contrary to God’s true message. The passage in Deuteronomy 18:20-22 states that if a prophet speaks in the name of other gods or falsely, people should not fear or follow them.
The consequences outlined for Shemaiah and his descendants emphasize God’s justice and faithfulness. Generational blessings and curses are not uncommon in the Bible. The actions of one individual can have repercussions that extend to their descendants. This underscores the importance of individual accountability and the weight of one’s choices in the eyes of God. This passage in Jeremiah 29 serves as a reminder of the significance of discerning true prophecy, the accountability individuals have for their actions, and the unwavering justice of God. It highlights the themes of false prophets, consequences for misleading others, and the overarching sovereignty of God’s plans and purposes.
After Jeremiah 29
Jeremiah delivered a message from the Lord to the exiled Israelites in Babylon in this chapter. Despite their circumstances, God instructs them to settle down, build homes, plant gardens, and seek the welfare of the city where they have been placed. He assures them that He has plans to prosper them and give them hope for the future. God is with us, guiding us towards a hopeful future, as we reflect on the words of Jeremiah, we are reminded that even in times of exile and uncertainty. Let us seek peace and prosperity wherever we find ourselves, trusting in His plans for us. The Israelites will respond to this message and witness the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises in the next chapter.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.