291 Now these are the words of the letter which Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the rest of the elders of the exile , the priests , the prophets and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon . 2 (This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother , the court officials , the princes of Judah and Jerusalem , the craftsmen and the smiths had departed from Jerusalem .) 3 The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan , and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah , whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon , saying , 4 "Thus says the Lord of hosts , the God of Israel , to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon , 5 ' Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce . 6 'Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters , and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands , that they may bear sons and daughters ; and multiply there and do not decrease . 7 ' Seek the welfare of the city where e I have sent you into exile , and pray to the Lord on its behalf ; for in its welfare you will have welfare .'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:1-7
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.