Jeremiah is writing to the "residue of the elders," implying that some had already died in exile, either naturally or from hardship, making this a message to the survivors who carried the weight of responsibility for the community. The inclusion of priests and prophets alongside the elders highlights that even spiritual leaders were subject to God's judgment and needed this prophetic guidance, not just the common people.
These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah, though still in Jerusalem, sends a significant letter to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, addressing not just the elders but also the priests and prophets among them. This communication comes after earlier exiles were taken by Nebuchadnezzar, and it's crucial to understand that the people in Babylon, and even those still in Jerusalem, have been misled by false prophets promising a quick return home. Jeremiah's letter is designed to counter this dangerous deception, insisting on patience and a long-term perspective for their situation.
Imagine receiving a letter years after a devastating event. Who would it be for? Who would still be around to read it?
Jeremiah sends his letter to the 'residue of the elders.' This phrase highlights that many had already perished due to the hardships of exile, or perhaps from the trauma and despair of their situation. It’s a stark reminder that this message is for those who survived the initial shock. This isn't just about a general population; it's about the leaders and influencers who remained, carrying the weight of their community. The message is specifically directed to those who are still alive to hear it and to act upon it, emphasizing the continuity of God's purpose even through loss.
Why would a prophet send a letter instead of speaking face-to-face? What urgent need did this letter address?
Jeremiah's letter isn't just a historical document; it’s a divinely inspired communication designed to address a critical spiritual and practical crisis among the exiles. The scholars point out that this message had a twofold purpose: to comfort the exiles and mitigate their grief, but also to correct their obstinacy and false hopes. Many believed they would return quickly, fueled by false prophets. Jeremiah, however, had to deliver the difficult truth that their exile was a chastisement meant to last, requiring patience and a different kind of hope. This letter sought to anchor them in God's timing and plan, not in wishful thinking.
Ask a follow-up
If you were told you'd be in a foreign land for decades, what would you do? Would you settle in, or just wait?
The letter's content, as revealed in the verses that follow (though not quoted here), instructed the exiles to 'build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit.' This wasn't a message of despair, but a call to responsible living within their current circumstances. They were to integrate, seek the peace of the city, and not expect an immediate return. This contrasts sharply with the false prophets who promised swift deliverance. Jeremiah's instruction was to live faithfully and productively where God had placed them, trusting that God's long-term promises would be fulfilled in His time, not theirs. It’s a profound lesson in finding God’s will even in difficult, unexpected places.
Understand the original words
nābîʾ · Hebrew Noun
A person who speaks under the divine inspiration of God to proclaim His message, warnings, or future purposes to His people. Prophets serve as intermediaries between God and humanity.
gôlâ · Hebrew Noun
The historical community of God's covenant people, specifically referring to those carried away from their homeland into foreign captivity as a result of divine judgment for covenant disobedience. It represents a state of displacement and separation from the Promised Land.
This letter was sent during the early stages of the Babylonian exile, amidst widespread false hopes for a quick return. Jeremiah's message aimed to bring realism and stability to the exiled community, emphasizing long-term endurance over premature rebellion.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah and carries away a first group of exiles, including Daniel, to Babylon. This event marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 598 BC
Jehoiakim's Rebellion and Second Deportation
King Jehoiakim rebels against Babylon, leading to another deportation of Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens and craftsmen.
c. 597 BC
Zedekiah Appointed King
Nebuchadnezzar installs Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's uncle, as king of Judah, but he too will later rebel.
c. 594 BC— this verse
Jeremiah Sends Letter to Exiles
Jeremiah, still in Jerusalem, sends a letter to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, urging them to settle down, build, marry, and pray for the city's peace, predicting a 70-year captivity.
c. 594 BC
False Prophets Cause Uproar
False prophets in Babylon, like Hananiah, predict a speedy return, inciting rebellion. Jeremiah's letter counters this dangerous message.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, carrying away the last significant group of Judeans to Babylon. This event solidifies the exile.
This passage describes the initial exile to Babylon under Jehoiakim, providing context for the specific group of exiles Jeremiah is addressing in his letter.
Psalm 137:1This psalm powerfully captures the deep sorrow and longing of the exiles by the rivers of Babylon, reflecting the emotional landscape to which Jeremiah's letter is responding.
Ezra 1:1-4This passage details the eventual return from exile, showing the fulfillment of God's promise, which stands in stark contrast to the prolonged period of waiting Jeremiah must have conveyed.
Romans 8:28This New Testament verse speaks to God's overarching purpose in all circumstances, offering a spiritual parallel to Jeremiah's message that even in exile, God has plans for His people's good.
Ezekiel 13:1-16This passage in Ezekiel directly confronts the danger of false prophets who offer superficial comfort and false hope, mirroring the very problem Jeremiah is addressing in his letter to the exiles.
calvinJeremiah 29:1: "Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;"
- Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and t…
cambridgeJeremiah 29:1: "Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;"
1 . Now these are the words of the letter ] The exiles in Babylon were subjected to the same danger from false prophets predicting a speedy return (cp. Ezekiel 13), as were their fellow countrymen w…
Jeremiah is writing to the "residue of the elders," implying that some had already died in exile, either naturally or from hardship, making this a message to the survivors who carried the weight of responsibility for the community. The inclusion of priests and prophets alongside the elders highlights that even spiritual leaders were subject to God's judgment and needed this prophetic guidance, not just the common people.
Jeremiah, though still in Jerusalem, sends a significant letter to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, addressing not just the elders but also the priests and prophets among them. This communication comes after earlier exiles were taken by Nebuchadnezzar, and it's crucial to understand that the people in Babylon, and even those still in Jerusalem, have been misled by false prophets promising a quick return home. Jeremiah's letter is designed to counter this dangerous deception, insisting on patience and a long-term perspective for their situation.
Jeremiah, though still in Jerusalem, sends a significant letter to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, addressing not just the elders but also the priests and prophets among them. This communication comes after earlier exiles were taken by Nebuchadnezzar, and it's crucial to understand that the people in Babylon, and even those still in Jerusalem, have been misled by false prophets promising a quick return home. Jeremiah's letter is designed to counter this dangerous deception, insisting on patience and a long-term perspective for their situation.
"These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon." — Jeremiah is writing to the "residue of the elders," implying that some had already died in exile, either naturally or from hardship, making this a message to the survivors who carried the weight of r…
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Last reviewed October 2026
