Jeremiah 29:7

Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper."

Study Bible

Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles.
This phrase is a directive given by God through the prophet Jeremiah to the Israelites who were exiled in Babylon. The historical context is the Babylonian Exile, which began in 586 BC when Jerusalem was conquered, and many Israelites were taken captive. The command to seek the prosperity of Babylon is significant because it contrasts with the natural inclination to resist or resent their captors. Instead, God instructs them to contribute positively to the society in which they find themselves. This reflects a broader biblical principle of being a blessing to others, even in adverse circumstances, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3, where God promises to make Abraham a blessing to all nations. Theologically, this directive underscores God's sovereignty and purpose, even in exile, suggesting that their presence in Babylon is part of His divine plan.

Pray to the LORD on its behalf,
Prayer is a central theme in the Bible, and here, the Israelites are called to intercede for Babylon. This is a radical command, as Babylon was not only their place of exile but also a symbol of oppression and idolatry. The call to pray for their captors echoes Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44, where He instructs His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. This act of prayer signifies a heart aligned with God's will, demonstrating love and forgiveness. It also acknowledges God's ultimate authority over nations and rulers, as seen in Proverbs 21:1, which states that the king's heart is in the hand of the LORD.

for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
This phrase highlights the interconnectedness of the Israelites' well-being with that of Babylon. The prosperity of the city is directly linked to the welfare of the exiles, suggesting a mutual benefit. This principle of seeking the common good is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18) and to seek the welfare of others (Philippians 2:4). Theologically, this reflects the idea that God's people are to be agents of peace and prosperity wherever they are placed. It also points to the broader biblical narrative of restoration and hope, as God promises to bring the exiles back to their land (Jeremiah 29:10-14), foreshadowing the ultimate restoration through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages to the people of Judah, including warnings of impending exile and messages of hope and restoration.

2. Babylon
The city and empire where the Israelites were exiled. It was a place of foreign culture and pagan practices, yet God instructed His people to seek its welfare.

3. Exiles
The people of Judah who were taken captive and relocated to Babylon. They were living in a foreign land under foreign rule, facing challenges to their faith and identity.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who remains sovereign and faithful, even when His people are in exile.

5. The City
Refers to Babylon, where the exiles were to seek its prosperity and pray for it, despite it being a place of captivity.

Teaching Points

Seek the Welfare of Your Community
As believers, we are called to actively contribute to the well-being of the places where we live, even if they are not our ultimate home.

Prayer as a Tool for Transformation
Prayer is a powerful means by which we can influence the spiritual and physical prosperity of our communities.

Prosperity Linked to Obedience
Our own well-being is often connected to our obedience to God's commands, including seeking the good of others.

Living Faithfully in Exile
Like the exiles in Babylon, Christians are called to live faithfully in a world that is not their ultimate home, influencing it for good.

God's Sovereignty in Difficult Circumstances
Trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He has a purpose even in challenging situations, such as living in a foreign land.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we practically seek the prosperity of our own communities today, and what specific actions can we take?

2. In what ways does praying for our community and its leaders align with the teachings of the New Testament?

3. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile enhance our interpretation of Jeremiah 29:7?

4. What are some modern-day "exiles" or situations where Christians might feel out of place, and how can Jeremiah 29:7 guide their response?

5. How does the concept of seeking the welfare of a city challenge or affirm your current perspective on engaging with secular society?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Timothy 2:1-2
Encourages believers to pray for all people, including those in authority, which aligns with the call to pray for the city in which one resides.

Psalm 122:6-9
Speaks of praying for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem, showing a biblical pattern of seeking the welfare of the place where God's people dwell.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus' teaching to love and pray for one's enemies, which parallels the instruction to pray for Babylon, a place of exile and oppression.