Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Jeremiah 29:1-23
Jeremiah’s first letter to the exiles 29:1-23 read more
Jeremiah’s first letter to the exiles 29:1-23 read more
At the end of the Exile, God’s people would call out to Him in prayer (cf. Daniel 9; Ezra 9; Nehemiah 9). Yahweh promised to listen to them. They would find Him when they sought Him wholeheartedly. read more
1-14. Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles. Release after seventy years.1. Prophets] The exiles in Babylon had also false prophets, e.g. Ahab and Zedekiah (Jeremiah 29:21), and Shemaiah (of Jeremiah 29:24) among them. But they were on the whole of a better class (see Jeremiah 24:5-7), and the prophet might hope that his words would have more effect. 2. Carpenters] RV ’craftsmen.’4-7. They are not to sit loose to the land of their exile, but to make homes for themselves there. Else they will soon... read more
(12, 13) Then shall ye call upon me . . .—The words need no comment, but they cannot be passed over without dwelling on the infinite tenderness which they manifest in the prophet’s soul, the reflex of a like tenderness in the mind of God, from whom he gives the message. It is the anticipation of the like message from the lips of Christ, “He that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:8). As they stand, the words are an echo of Deuteronomy 4:29-30, as Jeremiah... read more
CHAPTER XCORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EXILESJeremiah 29:1-32"Jehovah make thee like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire."- Jeremiah 29:22NOTHING further is said about the proposed revolt, so that Jeremiah’s vigorous protest seems to have been successful. In any case, unless irrevocable steps had been taken, the enterprise could hardly have survived the death of its advocate, Hananiah. Accordingly Zedekiah sent an embassy to Babylon, charged doubtless with plausible... read more
CHAPTER 29 Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles 1. Jeremiah’s letter (Jeremiah 29:1-23 ) 2. Concerning Shemaiah and his false prophecies (Jeremiah 29:24-32 ) Jeremiah 29:1-23 . King Zedekiah sent Elasah and Gemariah on a diplomatic mission to King Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah used the occasion to send a letter by them to the exiles. The letter first of all makes it clear that their stay in Babylon will not be transitory. They are to settle down, build homes, many, rear families, take wives for... read more
MORE MESSAGES FOR ZEDEKIAH In some respects the most important chapter here is the first, which deals with Babylon’s supremacy, and reveals the beginning of “the times of the Gentiles,” or “the fulness of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:25 ). The term refers to the period when Israel, because of her disobedience to God, has forfeited her place of power in the earth and is scattered among the nations. It begins when God transfers this power to the Gentiles as represented by Babylon, and continues... read more
I pray the Reader to pause over these gracious expressions of the Lord. They are suited to the Lord's exercised family, in all ages, at all times, and under all the sorrows of their estate. Mark how many the promises are, and let them be to you for a token of God's faithfulness. read more
8-19 Let men beware how they call those prophets whom they choose after their own fancies, and how they consider their fancies and dreams to be revelations from God. False prophets flatter people in their sins, because they love to be flattered; and they speak smoothly to their prophets, that their prophets may speak smoothly to them. God promises that they should return after seventy years were accomplished. By this it appears, that the seventy years of the captivity are not to be reckoned... read more
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 29:12
12. Fulfilled ( :-, &c.). When God designs mercy, He puts it into the hearts of His people to pray for the mercy designed. When such a spirit of prayer is poured out, it is a sure sign of coming mercy. go—to the temple and other places of prayer: contrasted with their previous sloth as to going to seek God. read more