NOTES for Jer 29:1-32

At first, Jeremiah’s letter may seem like one of his many speeches that we have already heard more than once. But then we notice new themes, and his very address to the exiles differs radically from his earlier preaching. Although only a minority of the people have so far been deported to Babylon, while those remaining in the Promised Land have yet to share the fate of the present exiles, the captive minority is already becoming the new core of the people. It has not yet become the faithful remnant called to preserve fidelity 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. Yet the shock experienced by the exiles has already prepared their hearts to reconsider the false ideas that had become habitual, making it easier for them to hear the bitter wisdom proclaimed by the prophet. Moreover, through their suffering these involuntary settlers have already begun to atone for their sins and perhaps for the sins of the whole people. Just as in the days of Abraham a people arose who were called to remain faithful to the Lord, so now, among a people who have proved unfaithful, a “little flock” must appear that could become the point from which the whole people may return to their original calling.