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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 29:1-7

We are here told, I. That Jeremiah wrote to the captives in Babylon, in the name of the Lord. Jeconiah had surrendered himself a prisoner, with the queen his mother, the chamberlains of his household, called here the eunuchs, and many of the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, who were at that time the most active men; the carpenters and smiths likewise, being demanded, were yielded up, that those who remained might not have any proper hands to fortify their city or furnish themselves with weapons... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 29:5

Build ye houses, and dwell in them ,.... Intimating hereby that they must not expect a return into their own land in any short time, but that they should continue many years where they were; suggesting also, that as they had ability, so they should have liberty, of building themselves houses; nor should they be interrupted by their enemies; nor would their houses be taken from them, when built; but they should dwell peaceably and quietly in them, as their own; which they might assure... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 29:5

Build ye houses - Prepare for a long continuance in your present captivity. Provide yourselves with the necessaries of life, and multiply in the land, that ye may become a powerful people. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 29:5

Verse 5 God commanded the captives to build houses in Chaldea, to plant vineyards, and also to marry wives, and to beget children, as though they were at home. It was not, indeed, God’s purpose that they should set their hearts on Chaldea, on the contrary, they were ever to think of their return: but until the end of the seventy years, it was God’s will that they should continue quiet, and not attempt this or that, but carry on the business of life as though they were in their own country. As... 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 29:4-7

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

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

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