I recently finished reading Jeremiah. It’s a tragic book that spans just before, during, after the Jewish exile to Babylon.
It’s a book where all of God’s prophetic warnings finally come to pass—where, as the saying goes, the chickens come home to roost.
Jeremiah is called “the Weeping Prophet” because he lived to see the downfall of his nation.
It must have been excruciating to witness God’s judgment in real-time. A prophetic calling like his couldn’t have been taken lightly.
Hope in the Midst of Judgment
However, even in the midst of judgement, the book of Jeremiah contains beautiful passages.
One such verse reminded the exiled Jews that God had not forgotten them:
“When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future…” — Jeremiah 29:10–11 NIV
“Plans to prosper you and not to harm you…”
Imagine hearing that after witnessing your entire civilization destroyed. Could there really be a silver lining? Your friends and family were just killed or taken into captivity.
And yet, God promised a breakthrough:
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” — Jeremiah 29:12-14 NIV
I love this passage. It reveals how tender God’s heart is. Even in tragedy, He stretches out His hand to deliver us.
Blessing the Enemy
The second half of this chapter introduces a powerful concept. It’s the idea of building and settling down, even after experiencing heartache.
Sometimes, when we face challenges, it’s tempting to lie down and let life have its way. But that’s not what God is saying here. In this passage, He commands His people:
“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters… Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” — Jeremiah 29:5–7 NIV
The Lord instructed His followers to thrive—in Babylon! He didn’t want them to wallow in despair or rebel. He called them to grow, build, and even bless the city that had conquered them.
That’s a high calling, and it takes humility.
It must have been painful to accept:
We’re going to be here awhile.
False Prophets
Interestingly, during this Babylonian exile, false prophets were declaring that God would bring the Jews home in a timely manner.
But Jeremiah brought a different message:
“Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord. This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. — Jeremiah 29:8-10 NIV
The false prophets promised a quick return. But Jeremiah made it clear: This exile will go on for a while. So build while you’re here.
Not only that—God commanded His people to pray for Babylon’s prosperity, because in its prosperity, they too would prosper.
That’s radical. And it raises a tough question:
When was the last time you prayed for the success of someone who hurt you?
Conclusion
Jeremiah 29 reveals something profound about the heart of God:
Even during discipline or in the aftermath of tragedy, He wants us to build.
Yes, there’s a time to mourn. There’s a season to grieve. But once that season is over, God calls us to rise up, rebuild, and re-engage. So…
… if you’re in a difficult season, realize:
God is not finished with you.
Thank Him for what He’s doing and pray for success wherever you go.
Why?
Because in the Kingdom of Heaven, we go from glory to glory.
And until God brings you out of exile, prosper.