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.”
Jeremiah goes still farther, even that the Jews had been led to Babylon, on the condition of rendering willing obedience to the authority of King Nebuchadnezzar, and of testifying this by their prayers. He not only bids them patiently to endure the punishment laid on them, but also to be faithful subjects of their conqueror; he not only forbids them to be seditious, but he...
And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray to the LORD for it: for in the peace of it ye shall have peace. (e) The prophet does not speak this for the affection that he bore to the tyrant, but that they should pray for the common rest and quietness that their troubles might...
God commands the exiles to settle Babylon for the long term: build houses, plant gardens, marry, multiply. Seek the welfare of the city where you are captive and pray for it, because your safety depends on its safety. This is not hope in Chaldean collapse but obedience to His present will. The false prophets who promise quick deliverance speak lies; He has not sent them.
AI summary
Commenting on Jeremiah 29:4-14