5 "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.
5 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;
5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.
5 "Build houses and make yourselves at home. "Put in gardens and eat what grows in that country.
5 Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit.
5 "Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:5
Commentary on Jeremiah 29:1-7
(Read Jeremiah 29:1-7)
The written word of God is as truly given by inspiration of God as his spoken word. The zealous servant of the Lord will use every means to profit those who are far off, as well as those who are near him. The art of writing is very profitable for this end; and by the art of printing it is rendered most beneficial for circulating the knowledge of the word of God. God's sending to the captives by this letter would show that he had not forsaken them, though he was displeased, and corrected them. If they live in the fear of God, they may live comfortably in Babylon. In all conditions of life, it is our wisdom and duty not to throw away the comfort of what we may have, because we have not all we would have. They are directed to seek the good of the country where they were captives. While the king of Babylon protected them, they must live quiet and peaceable lives under him, in all godliness and honesty; patiently leaving it to God to work deliverance for them in due time.