Jeremiah 29:4-7

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 29:7

Verse 7 Jeremiah goes still farther, even that the Jews had been led to Babylon, on the condition of rendering willing obedience to the authority of King Nebuchadnezzar, and of testifying this by their prayers. He not only bids them patiently to endure the punishment laid on them, but also to be faithful subjects of their conqueror; he not only forbids them to be seditious, but he would have them to obey from the heart, so that God might be a witness of their willing subjection and obedience. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 29:1-7

The letter to the captives. Notice the mention of those who bore this letter. We may conclude they were not mere messengers having no interest in the message they conveyed, but those who themselves would have much to say over and above what was written. I. GOD 'S CONSIDERATION FOR HIS PEOPLE IN THEIR CAPTIVITY . He not only means to bring that captivity to an end in his own time, but while it lasts it is to be made as little like captivity as possible. It was not enough... 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 29:1-32

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 29:4-7

How to make the best of adversity. Jeremiah advises the captives in Babylon to take a course that is eminently brave and wise. The first inclination would be to stir up a useless revolt, the second to sit down in sullen despondency. When trouble overcomes us we are tempted to follow one or other of these courses—to rebel or to despair. Jeremiah teaches us, as he taught the Jews of his day, that neither is right. He indicates a better way, I. SUBMIT PATIENTLY TO INEVITABLE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 29:4-7

God's message to the captives. There is an encouraging tone in this Divine message to the captives in Babylon that must have been strikingly fitted to call forth every better element of thought and feeling within them. They were not, indeed, to dream of deliverance. The appointed time must run its course. The generation then in their prime could not hope ever to see their own land again. But their children should. Their wisdom, therefore, lay in making the best of their condition, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 29:7

Seek the peace of the city , etc. Interest yourselves in the " peace " or welfare of the city, whether Babylon or any other place where ye may be in exile, and pray for its welfare, for your own well-being is inseparable from it. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 29:7

Civic duties. From the duty of the Jews to the cities of their exile we may deduce the still more urgent duties of citizens to their own city, I. ONE OF THE FIRST INTERESTS OF A PEOPLE IS PEACE . There are times when war is necessary and right—to defend the hearth and home, to save the weak from oppression, etc. But such war must only be the means for securing a bettor, more lasting peace. The glory of war is an empty dream. The people gain little and suffer much,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 29:4-7

As the exile was God’s doing for their good, they were to make the best of their position, and acquire wealth and influence; whereas if they were always restlessly looking out for the opportunity of returning home, they would rapidly fall into poverty and dwindle away.Jeremiah 29:7Seek the peace of the city ... - Not only because their welfare for seventy years was bound up with that of Babylon, but because it would have degraded their whole moral nature to have lived as conspirators, banded... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Jeremiah 29:4-7

Jeremiah 29:4-7. Thus saith the Lord, Build ye houses, and plant gardens, &c. It appears by the advice which the prophet here gives, that many of the captive Jews neglected to cultivate and plant the places allotted to them about Babylon; because they were not willing to bestow cost and pains for the advantage of others; since they flattered themselves that they were soon to return into Judea: and therefore, Jeremiah here admonishes them that their continuance in their captivity would... read more

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