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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 29:8-14

To make the people quiet and easy in their captivity, I. God takes them off from building upon the false foundation which their pretended prophets laid, Jer. 29:8, 9. They told them that their captivity should be short, and therefore that they must not think of taking root in Babylon, but be upon the wing to go back: ?Now herein they deceive you,? says God; ?they prophesy a lie to you, though they prophesy in my name. But let them not deceive you, suffer not yourselves to be deluded by them.?... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord ,.... The purposes and resolutions of his heart concerning their welfare, particularly the restoration of them to their own land; these were within him, and known to him, and him only; they were remembered by him, and continued with him, as the "thoughts of his heart are to all generations"; and so would not fail of being performed; men think and forget what they have thought of, and so it comes to nothing; but thus it is not... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 29:11

Thoughts of peace - Here God gives them to understand, That his love was moved towards them. That he would perform his good word, his promises often repeated, to them. That for the fulfillment of these they must pray, seek, and search. That he would hearken, and they should find him; provided, 5. They sought him with their whole heart, Jeremiah 29:10-13 . read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 29:11

Verse 11 He confirms the same thing, and employs many words, because it was difficult to raise up minds wholly broken down. For the world labors under two extreme evils, — they sink in despair, or are too much exalted by foolish pride: nay, there is no moderation except when ruled by God’s Spirit we recumb on his word; for when they devise vain hopes for themselves, they are immediately rapt up above the clouds, fly here and there, and in short think that they can climb into heaven; this is the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 29:1-14

Duties and consolations of God's captivity. I. THEIR DUTIES The imposition of definite lines of conduct and policy upon the exiled, was one proof that they were not cast off; the promise of deliverance was another. Although amongst the heathen, they were not to be as the heathen; neither were they to be wholly given over to despair. As children of God they were to exhibit the virtues of: 1. Industry . ( Jeremiah 29:5 .) Misanthropy and despair are the parents of idleness;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 29:11

For I knew the thoughts , etc.; i.e. though seventy years must pass over you in exile, yet do not apprehend that I have forgotten you, for I know full well what my purpose is towards you—a purpose of restoring to you "peace" and prosperity. An expected end ; rather, a future and a hope; i.e. a hopeful future (comp. Jeremiah 31:17 , "There is a hope for thy future"). That unexpectant apathy which is the terrible accompaniment of so much worldly sorrow was not to be an ingredient in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 29:11

God's thoughts concerning us. I. GOD THINKS . If God exists he must be a thinking being. To apply the name "God." to a stream of tendencies, a collection of laws, the totality of being, etc; is to misapply it. Either God is personal or there is no God, for the conception of personality is essential to that of divinity. If God is a person he may be "without parts or passions." The anthropomorphic ideas of repentance, wrath, etc; may be as much mere metaphorical images as those of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 29:11

Thoughts of peace. Such is the consoling word that God sends to his "banished ones" in their affliction. He bids his servant "speak comfortably" to them, even now that their "warfare" is only beginning, and they are having their first taste of the bitterness of exile. Blending with the lamentations of the weeping captives as they "hung their harps on the willows by the waters of Babylon," we can imagine that this gracious word would have a more salutary effect upon them than the living... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 29:11

An expected end - Rather, a future and a hope. The nation shall not come to an end; the exile shall be followed by a restoration. read more

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