29:3 29:3

Jeremiah 29:4

29:5 29:5

Bible Versions

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

Historical and Cultural Context

Jeremiah 29:4 opens a crucial letter from the prophet Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles who had been forcibly carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon. This first major deportation occurred in 597 BC, when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Jerusalem, taking King Jehoiachin, the royal family, nobles, skilled craftsmen, and many strong men into captivity. These individuals found themselves in a foreign land, feeling abandoned and questioning God's presence. Jeremiah's letter was sent to counter the false prophecies circulating among the exiles, which promised a swift return to Jerusalem. Instead, this verse immediately establishes the divine origin of their predicament, setting the stage for God's true message to His people in exile.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The phrase "whom I have caused to be carried away" is profoundly significant. It emphasizes that the Babylonian exile was not a mere political defeat or a random misfortune, but a direct and deliberate act of God's judgment upon His people for their persistent idolatry, disobedience, and breaking of the covenant. It underscores God's absolute control over history, nations, and even the seemingly overwhelming power of empires like Babylon.
  • God's Unchanging Identity and Relationship: Despite the severe judgment, God identifies Himself as "the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel." This reinforces His covenant relationship with His people. Even in the midst of their discipline and displacement, He remains their God, actively engaged with their circumstances and not having abandoned them.

Linguistic Insights

The title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is particularly powerful in this context. It portrays God as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, highlighting His immense power, authority, and dominion over creation and human affairs. For a people feeling defeated and powerless in exile, this title served as a reminder that the God who allowed their captivity is still the mighty, sovereign King. The subsequent phrase, "the God of Israel," further solidifies His unique, enduring covenant bond with His chosen people, even when they were far from their promised land.

Related Scriptures

This verse sets the tone for God's surprising instructions and promises to the exiles, emphasizing that their situation was part of His divine plan. It precedes commands to settle down and seek the welfare of Babylon, as seen in Jeremiah 29:7, and the famous promise of a future and a hope after 70 years of captivity, as articulated in Jeremiah 29:10 and Jeremiah 29:11. The exile itself was a direct fulfillment of prophetic warnings found in books like Deuteronomy 28, highlighting the consequences of covenant disobedience.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 29:4 offers a profound lesson for believers today. It reminds us that even challenging, painful, or seemingly disruptive circumstances in our lives can be part of God's sovereign plan. While not every difficulty is a direct judgment, this verse encourages us to recognize God's hand and purpose even in adversity. It calls us to trust that our God is still "the LORD of hosts" and "the God of Israel," actively involved in our lives, even when we feel displaced, are facing consequences, or are in unfamiliar territory. Understanding this can help us find purpose, peace, and hope, even in the midst of trials, knowing that God has a plan for our future, as further illuminated in Jeremiah 29:11.

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.

  • 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].
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