This is a picture of modern day Baghdad, Iraq, near ancient Babylon. Jeremiah warned Israel to return to their God or be exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. They put their confidence in the beautiful temple in Jerusalem instead of God and refused to listen to Jeremiah. Israel reminds me of myself – a hard learner. She had been oppressed by Egypt, Persia, Assyria and Babylon. Like Israel, I have chosen my ways over God’s ways too many times, but fortunately I was not exiled to another country.
Not Abandoned
God used Nebuchadnezzar to discipline His people, but He never left them alone. I believe Israel believed what He said in the past applied to them too: “Be courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). This promise applies to us today in our world too.
God said, “When seventy years for Babylon are complete, I will attend to you and will confirm my promise concerning you to restore you to this place. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. You will call to me and come and pray to me.'” (Jeremiah 29:10-13).
Israel Thrived
Do you wonder what it might have been like to be in exile? Where would Nebuchadnezzar put all the Israelites? On the poor side of town? In the suburbs? This is what God said: “The Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I deported from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce. Find wives for yourselves, and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons and give your daughters to men in marriage so that they may bear sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease. Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive'” (Jeremiah 29:4-7).
After seventy years Israel was released by King Cyrus to return to her homeland. However, a generation had passed, and most of the exiles did not return to Jerusalem.
Prayer
Blessed are you our Lord God, King of the universe who loves and cares for His people, thank you for all you do for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Closer Walk with God 