In Jeremiah, chapter twenty-nine, verses one through twenty-three, Jeremiah’s letter to the people of God who were exiles taken captive was possibly written a year or two after they arrived in Babylon. He gave them the following instructions: They must live normal lives, build houses, marry, and seek the peace or well-being of the city where God had providentially placed them, for they would not be returning to the promised land until the end of seventy years. They must not listen to the false prophets who were predicting the exile would be short, as in verses eight to nine of this theme chapter. Those who remained in Jerusalem would suffer greatly for their persistence in rebelling against God.
Two false prophets would be killed because they were living in adultery and falsely representing the word of the Lord, as in verses twenty-one through twenty-three. At the end of the seventy years of captivity, the remnant would seek God earnestly for restoration; he would answer their intercession because of His plans for them, as in verses ten to fourteen.
The written word of God is as truly given by the inspiration of God as His spoken word. The zealous servant of the Lord will use every
means to profit those who are far off, as well as those who are near Him.
God’s sending to the captives by this letter would show that he had not forsaken them, though he was displeased and corrected them. If they live in the fear of God, they may live comfortably in Babylon. In all conditions of life, it is our wisdom and duty not to throw away the comfort of what we may have, because we have not all we would have. They are directed to seek the good of the country where they were captives. While the king of Babylon protected them, they must live quiet and peaceable lives under him, in all goodness and honesty; patiently leaving it to God to work deliverance for them in due time.