At first Jeremiah's letter may appear to be only one of his many speeches, which we have heard more than once already. But then we notice new motifs, and the address to the exiles itself differs radically from...
At first Jeremiah's letter may appear to be only one of his many speeches, which we have heard more than once already. But then we notice new motifs, and the address to the exiles itself differs radically from his earlier preaching. Although only a minority of the people has so far been deported to Babylon, while those remaining in the Promised Land still have yet to share the fate of the present exiles, it is precisely this captive minority that is already becoming the new core of the people.
It has not yet become that remnant called to preserve faithfulness to the people's spiritual vocation; the exiles' devotion to the Lord is still unstable, as shown, for example, by the presence of false prophets among them. But the shock experienced by the exiles has already prepared their hearts to reconsider the false ideas that had become habitual; it is now easier for them to hear the bitter wisdom proclaimed by the prophet.
Moreover, by their sufferings the involuntary settlers have already begun to atone for their sins, and perhaps for the sins of the whole people. And just as in the days of Abraham a people arose who were called to preserve faithfulness to the Lord, so now among a people that has shown unfaithfulness there must appear a "little flock" that could become a point of support for the return of all the rest to the original calling.
29 Jeremiah's letter to the captives in Babylon, to be quiet there, Jer 29:1-7.
Not to believe false prophets; nor expect to return 'till after fifty years, Jer 29:8-14.
The destruction of those who remained in Judah for their disobedience, Jer 29:15-19.
The fearful end of two lying prophets, Jer 29:20-23.
Shemaiah's letter against Jeremiah, Jer 29:24-29.
Who reads his doom, Jer 29:30-32.
29:11 To give - This deliverance will not depend upon your merits, but upon my own mercy, and kind thoughts and purposes I have for the seed of Abraham my servant, and I am resolved in my own thoughts what to do, I intend not the blotting out of the name of Israel from the earth, but to give such an end to their trouble as themselves expect and desire.