Jeremiah 29:4

KJV

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, unto all that are carried away captives {H1473}, whom I have caused to be carried away {H1540} from Jerusalem {H3389} unto Babylon {H894};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says to all those in exile, whom I have caused to be carried off captive from Yerushalayim to Bavel:

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles who were carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all the captivity, whom I have caused to be carried away captive from Jerusalem unto Babylon:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 29:4 opens a pivotal letter from the prophet Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, immediately establishing the divine origin of their forced displacement. It asserts that the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, is not merely aware of their captivity but is the very agent who "caused" them to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon. This declaration serves as a foundational truth, countering false hopes of a swift return and setting the stage for God's surprising instructions for living faithfully within their new, divinely ordained reality of exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 29:4 serves as the opening declaration of a crucial letter (Jeremiah 29:1-23) sent by the prophet Jeremiah from Jerusalem to the exiles in Babylon. This letter follows Jeremiah's consistent prophetic warnings of impending judgment and exile due to Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience (e.g., [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Captivity")). The immediate verses preceding chapter 29 detail the fall of Jerusalem and the initial deportations (e.g., [Jeremiah 24](/jeremiah/24 "Jeremiah 24 - The Good and Bad Figs")), setting the stage for the exiles' plight. This specific verse counters the optimistic but false prophecies of immediate return being spread by figures like Hananiah (cf. [Jeremiah 28](/jeremiah/28 "Jeremiah 28 - Hananiah's False Prophecy")). By unequivocally stating God's direct involvement in their exile, it grounds the subsequent commands to settle, build, and seek the welfare of Babylon (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:5-7](/jeremiah/29-5 "Jeremiah 29:5-7 - Instructions for Exiles")) in divine authority, preparing the exiles for the shocking truth that their captivity would be long-term, lasting seventy years (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return After Seventy Years")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 29:4 is the first major Babylonian deportation of Judahites in 597 BC. Following King Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem, he carried away King Jehoiachin, the royal family, nobles, skilled craftsmen, and many of the strongest men to Babylon (cf. [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10 "2 Kings 24:10-16 - Jehoiachin's Captivity")). These exiles found themselves in a foreign land, a sophisticated but pagan empire, far from their homeland, temple, and the perceived presence of God. Culturally, exile was a profound trauma, often interpreted as abandonment by one's deity and a sign of utter defeat. The Judeans would have been grappling with questions of God's power, faithfulness, and their identity as His chosen people. Furthermore, the presence of false prophets in Babylon, who promised a quick return, created a climate of spiritual confusion and false hope, making Jeremiah's divinely authoritative message all the more critical for their long-term spiritual and social well-being.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes prevalent throughout Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting that the exile was not a random misfortune or a mere political defeat, but a deliberate act of God's judgment for Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and persistent idolatry (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49-50 - Warnings of Invasion and Exile")). Secondly, it highlights **God's Unchanging Identity and Covenant Faithfulness**, even in judgment. By identifying Himself as "the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," God reminds His people that despite their discipline and displacement, He remains their sovereign, powerful, and covenant-keeping God, actively engaged in their circumstances (cf. [Isaiah 43:15](/isaiah/43-15 "Isaiah 43:15 - The Holy One of Israel")). Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **God's Purpose in Suffering**, suggesting that even in the painful experience of exile, there is a divine plan at work, preparing the way for future restoration and hope (cf. [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068. This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Yahweh." It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging God who is faithful to His promises. In this context, it emphasizes that the sender of this message is the ultimate, sovereign authority, the God who keeps covenant even in judgment.
* **hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** H6635. This term refers to a mass of persons, especially an organized army, or figuratively, a campaign or worship. When combined with "LORD," "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) portrays God as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, the cosmic warrior, highlighting His immense power, authority, and dominion over creation, nations, and human affairs. For a people feeling defeated and powerless in exile, this title served as a powerful reminder that their God was still the mighty, sovereign King.
* **caused to be carried away (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_ / _gôwlâh'_):** H1540 / H1473. The verb _gâlâh_ (H1540) means "to denude," "to exile," or "to reveal," implying a forceful removal, often with shame. The noun _gôwlâh_ (H1473) refers to the "exile" or "captives" themselves. The emphatic use of "whom I have caused to be carried away" (a causative Hiphil form of _gâlâh_) is crucial. It asserts God's direct, active, and intentional agency in their deportation, leaving no doubt that their predicament was not an accident of war but a deliberate act of divine judgment and sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel,"**: This opening formula is a classic prophetic messenger formula, establishing the divine authority and origin of the message. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) underscores God's absolute power and dominion over all creation and human events, including the rise and fall of empires. "The God of Israel" reaffirms His unique, enduring covenant relationship with His chosen people, even in their state of exile, assuring them that He has not abandoned them.
* **"unto all that are carried away captives,"**: This phrase specifies the recipients of the message: the entire community of exiles, not just a select few. It acknowledges their painful reality and identifies them by their current, divinely ordained status, emphasizing that God's word is for them precisely in their difficult circumstances.
* **"whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon;"**: This is the theological lynchpin of the verse. The causative verb "I have caused" (a Hiphil form of _gâlâh_) unequivocally declares that their exile was not merely a consequence of Babylonian military might or Judah's political failures, but a direct, deliberate, and sovereign act of God Himself. He was the ultimate agent behind their removal from their beloved capital, Jerusalem, to the foreign land of Babylon, signifying His judgment upon their sin and His absolute control over history.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 29:4 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Pronouncement**, signaled by the classic prophetic formula "Thus saith the LORD." This immediately imbues the message with absolute authority and divine origin, leaving no room for doubt about the source of the exiles' predicament. There is also strong **Emphasis** through repetition and direct assertion, particularly in the phrase "whom I have caused to be carried away." This active, causative language ("I have caused") underscores God's direct agency and sovereignty, countering any notion that their captivity was a random event or solely the work of Nebuchadnezzar. Furthermore, the use of the divine titles "the LORD of hosts" and "the God of Israel" creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**. "LORD of hosts" speaks to God's universal power and dominion, while "God of Israel" speaks to His particular covenant relationship. This combination assures the exiles that the all-powerful God who allowed their exile is still *their* God, intimately involved and faithful to His covenant, even in judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 29:4 is a foundational statement of divine sovereignty, asserting God's absolute control over the course of history and the destinies of nations and individuals. It reveals that even the most catastrophic events, like the exile of God's chosen people, are not outside His purview but are part of His deliberate plan, often serving as a severe but necessary discipline for covenant disobedience. This verse challenges human perceptions of misfortune, compelling believers to look beyond immediate circumstances to discern God's hand at work, even in pain. It underscores that God's judgment is not abandonment but a means of purification and ultimately, restoration, reinforcing His unwavering commitment to His covenant people despite their failures.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Warnings of Invasion and Exile")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "God Creates Good and Evil")
* [Lamentations 3:37-38](/lamentations/3-37 "God's Sovereignty Over All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 29:4 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers navigating difficult seasons. It reminds us that even when our lives feel uprooted, displaced, or subject to forces beyond our control, God remains sovereign. The phrase "whom I have caused to be carried away" is a powerful reminder that God is not a passive observer but an active participant in our circumstances, even the painful ones. This truth calls us to a deeper trust: if God is sovereign over global events and the destiny of nations, He is certainly sovereign over our individual lives. It encourages us to search for His purpose even in adversity, to understand that our "Babylon" – be it a job loss, a health crisis, a relational struggle, or a season of uncertainty – may be a place where God intends to do a profound work in us, teaching us dependence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of His character. Rather than despairing or seeking quick exits, we are invited to lean into the reality of God's active hand, knowing that He has a plan for our future, as further illuminated in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "God's Plans for Hope").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle to acknowledge God's sovereignty, especially when circumstances are difficult or painful?**
* **How does understanding God's active role in the exile of Israel challenge or comfort my perspective on my own trials and "exiles"?**
* **What might God be seeking to accomplish in me or through me in my current "Babylon" or season of displacement?**

### FAQ

**Why did God "cause" the exile to happen? Wasn't it Nebuchadnezzar's doing?**

Answer: While Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian empire were the physical instruments of the exile, Jeremiah 29:4 makes it clear that God was the ultimate orchestrator. The exile was a direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry, covenant breaking, and disobedience to God's laws and prophetic warnings (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon")). God used Babylon as His agent of judgment, fulfilling His earlier warnings in the Mosaic covenant (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")). This emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over history, nations, and the consequences of human sin.

**What was the purpose of Jeremiah's letter to the exiles?**

Answer: Jeremiah's letter (Jeremiah 29) served multiple crucial purposes. First, it countered the false prophets in Babylon who were promising a swift return, thereby preventing the exiles from making foolish decisions based on false hope (cf. [Jeremiah 29:8-9](/jeremiah/29-8 "Jeremiah 29:8-9 - Warning Against False Prophets")). Second, it commanded the exiles to settle down, build homes, plant gardens, marry, and seek the welfare of Babylon (cf. [Jeremiah 29:5-7](/jeremiah/29-5 "Jeremiah 29:5-7 - Instructions to Settle in Babylon")). This was a radical instruction, encouraging them to live faithfully and productively in a foreign land for the long term, knowing their exile would last seventy years (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return After Seventy Years")). Ultimately, the letter aimed to provide spiritual stability, hope, and direction for a people in crisis, reminding them that God had not abandoned them and had a future plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 29:4, in its declaration of God's sovereignty over the painful reality of exile, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. While the Old Testament exile was a consequence of Israel's sin, foreshadowing God's judgment, it also served as a crucible for refining His people and pointing to a greater, ultimate restoration. In Christ, we see the ultimate embodiment of God's sovereign plan, not merely over judgment but over salvation. Just as God "caused" Israel to be carried away for their sin, He "caused" His Son, Jesus, to be "carried away" to the cross, bearing the exile of humanity's sin and alienation from God (cf. [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Jesus's death and resurrection represent the ultimate divine act that brings about a true return from spiritual exile, reconciling humanity to God (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Ministry of Reconciliation")). Through Christ, the promise of a "future and a hope" (cf. [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "God's Plans for Hope")) is fully realized, not just in a physical return to a land, but in an eternal dwelling with God in the new heavens and new earth, where there will be no more tears or exile from His presence (cf. [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")). Thus, the God who sovereignly orchestrated the exile of Israel is the same God who, in Christ, sovereignly orchestrated our redemption from the exile of sin, bringing us into His eternal kingdom (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Delivered from Darkness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 24:5

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for [their] good.

Isaiah 10:5

¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Amos 3:6

Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done [it]?

Isaiah 59:1

¶ Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Isaiah 59:2

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.

Isaiah 45:7

I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].