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Jeremiah 29

32 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylon offers practical guidance for living in captivity, warns against false prophets, and promises eventual restoration after seventy years.

Summary

The chapter begins with Jeremiah addressing the exiled community, reminding them that their captivity was commanded by God. He instructs them to build homes, grow food, marry, and have children, assuring them that living well will lead to growth rather than decline. Jeremiah cautions the people against listening to deceptive prophets and diviners who claim to speak in God’s name. He proclaims that after a seventy‑year period in exile, God will return them to Jerusalem, expressing peace and intent to gather them from all nations. The text also recounts God’s judgment against false prophets, describing severe punishments such as sword, famine, and pestilence, and predicts the destruction of those who ignore His word.

Outline
  1. Exile context and practical living instructions
  2. Warning against false prophets and deception
  3. God’s promise of return and judgment against disobedience
Themes
Faithfulness during exileDiscernment of prophetic truthDivine promise of restoration
Keywords
exilecaptivityprophetfalse prophecyfaithprayerhopejudgmentrestoration
People
JeremiahJeconiahElasah (son of Shaphan)Gemariah (son of Hilkiah)ZedekiahNebuchadnezzarShemaiah the NehelamiteZephaniah (son of Maaseiah)Ahab (son of Kolaiah)Anathoth
Places
JerusalemBabylonthe city of exileall the nations
Things
letter from Jeremiahhouses and gardenswives and childrenpeace of the cityfalse prophetssword, famine, pestilence
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 29:1: Sets the context of the letter to the exiles
  • Jeremiah 29:5-6: Provides practical guidance for living in exile
  • Jeremiah 29:7-8: Warns against deception by false prophets
  • Jeremiah 29:10-14: Promises God’s return after seventy years
  • Jeremiah 29:19: Emphasizes the consequences of ignoring God’s prophets
Questions
  • What practical steps does Jeremiah advise the exiles to take, and why?
  • How does Jeremiah differentiate between true and false prophets?
  • What is the significance of the seventy‑year period mentioned?
  • In what ways does the text portray God’s character as both stern and merciful?
  • How might the warnings against deception be applied to modern contexts?
Sentiment

mixed
Contains both stern warnings and hopeful promises of restoration.