God Never Forgets His People

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Restoration

Jeremiah writes a letter to all the priests, prophets and people that Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon (vv. 1-2). The setting is probably after the fall of Judah in 597 b.c., following the deportation of Jeconiah (Jehoiachin). The couriers were from priestly families connected with the reform of Josiah (v. 3). It is possible that Gemariah was the son of Hilkiah, the famous priest of Josiah’s day. God’s word to the exiles was to prepare for a long stay in Babylon (vv. 4-9). They were to build houses and settle down. They were also to plant gardens to sustain them during the period. Life was to go on as normal. The people were exhorted to marry and have sons and daughters. The Lord admonishes His people to submit humbly to His will, making Babylon their home, honoring its government, praying God’s blessings even upon this foreign land in order that they might share in these blessings (v. 7). Another warning is given concerning the false prophets who would create false hope in an early return to Judah (v. 8).

These people-pleasers preached only what the people wanted to hear. This is the promise of the 70 years’ duration of captivity read by Daniel the prophet (vv. 10-14) (Dan. 9:10). These words renew God’s covenant (Deut. 4:29-30). In exile, the people will seek restoration to God, and God will then restore them to the land, renewing the covenant relationship in His eternal faithfulness (v. 12). Finding God is the blessing and joy of restoration (v, 13). The “king” is Zedekiah (v. 16) (597-586 b.c.).

Application

God never forgot His people even when they were captive in Babylon. I can be sure as I get older that He will never forget me regardless of the circumstances.

Jeremiah 29:1-14 (English Standard Version)


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