Jeremiah 27 - 31

A Tremendous Promise

Note: This was posted a day late

Chapter 29 carries a promise to those who will be exiled in Babylon for 70 years.  Jeremiah prophesies the captivity and exile in chapter 25. Because the people of Israel and Judah refused to hear their prophets and continued in their idol worship, the Lord promised destruction of Israel and Jerusalem, and exile in Babylon.

The message is ominous.  "This entire land will become a desolate wasteland. Israel and her neighboring lands will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years. Then after the seventy years of captivity are over, I will punish the king of Babylon and his people for their sins." (25:11-12).

Then in chapter 29, Jeremiah makes this promise: "You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the palns I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days, when you pray I will listen." (10-12). This is a tremendous promise of delivery and restoration.  God preserved a remnant and the land of Israel for His name's sake.