August 6, 2025
What is Jeremiah 29:11 actually about?
Jeremiah 28-30
Laundi Freeman
Big Book Idea
Being a messenger of truth in a dark place can be challenging, but it is worth it.
Key Verse | Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 28-30
Chapter 28
Hananiah the False Prophet
1 In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, Hananiah the son of Azzur, the prophet from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and all the people, saying, 2 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. 3 Within two years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the LORD's house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. 4 I will also bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon, declares the LORD, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.”
5 Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD, 6 and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles. 7 Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. 8 The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. 9 As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.”
10 Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke-bars from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke them. 11 And Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, “Thus says the LORD: Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all the nations within two years.” But Jeremiah the prophet went his way.
12 Sometime after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke-bars from off the neck of Jeremiah the prophet, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 13 “Go, tell Hananiah, ‘Thus says the LORD: You have broken wooden bars, but you have made in their place bars of iron. 14 For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have put upon the neck of all these nations an iron yoke to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they shall serve him, for I have given to him even the beasts of the field.’” 15 And Jeremiah the prophet said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah, the LORD has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie. 16 Therefore thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will remove you from the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have uttered rebellion against the LORD.’”
17 In that same year, in the seventh month, the prophet Hananiah died.
Chapter 29
Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles
1 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. 2 This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the eunuchs, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metal workers had departed from Jerusalem. 3 The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. It said: 4 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. 8 For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, 1 29:8 Hebrew your dreams, which you cause to dream 9 for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the LORD.
10 For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare 2 29:11 Or peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
15 Because you have said, ‘The LORD has raised up prophets for us in Babylon,’ 16 thus says the LORD concerning the king who sits on the throne of David, and concerning all the people who dwell in this city, your kinsmen who did not go out with you into exile: 17 ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, behold, I am sending on them sword, famine, and pestilence, and I will make them like vile figs that are so rotten they cannot be eaten. 18 I will pursue them with sword, famine, and pestilence, and will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, a terror, a hissing, and a reproach among all the nations where I have driven them, 19 because they did not pay attention to my words, declares the LORD, that I persistently sent to you by my servants the prophets, but you would not listen, declares the LORD.’ 20 Hear the word of the LORD, all you exiles whom I sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon: 21 ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning Ahab the son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, who are prophesying a lie to you in my name: Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he shall strike them down before your eyes. 22 Because of them this curse shall be used by all the exiles from Judah in Babylon: “The LORD make you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire,” 23 because they have done an outrageous thing in Israel, they have committed adultery with their neighbors' wives, and they have spoken in my name lying words that I did not command them. I am the one who knows, and I am witness, declares the LORD.’”
Shemaiah's False Prophecy
24 To Shemaiah of Nehelam you shall say: 25 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: You have sent letters in your name to all the people who are in Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying, 26 ‘The LORD has made you priest instead of Jehoiada the priest, to have charge in the house of the LORD over every madman who prophesies, to put him in the stocks and neck irons. 27 Now why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth who is prophesying to you? 28 For he has sent to us in Babylon, saying, “Your exile will be long; build houses and live in them, and plant gardens and eat their produce.”’”
29 Zephaniah the priest read this letter in the hearing of Jeremiah the prophet. 30 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 31 “Send to all the exiles, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD concerning Shemaiah of Nehelam: Because Shemaiah had prophesied to you when I did not send him, and has made you trust in a lie, 32 therefore thus says the LORD: Behold, I will punish Shemaiah of Nehelam and his descendants. He shall not have anyone living among this people, and he shall not see the good that I will do to my people, declares the LORD, for he has spoken rebellion against the LORD.’”
Chapter 30
Restoration for Israel and Judah
1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2 “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you. 3 For behold, days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah, says the LORD, and I will bring them back to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall take possession of it.”
4 These are the words that the LORD spoke concerning Israel and Judah:
5
“Thus says the LORD:
We have heard a cry of panic,
of terror, and no peace.
6
Ask now, and see,
can a man bear a child?
Why then do I see every man
with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor?
Why has every face turned pale?
7
Alas! That day is so great
there is none like it;
it is a time of distress for Jacob;
yet he shall be saved out of it.
8 And it shall come to pass in that day, declares the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off your neck, and I will burst your bonds, and foreigners shall no more make a servant of him. 3 30:8 Or serve him 9 But they shall serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.
10
Then fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the LORD,
nor be dismayed, O Israel;
for behold, I will save you from far away,
and your offspring from the land of their captivity.
Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease,
and none shall make him afraid.
11
For I am with you to save you,
declares the LORD;
I will make a full end of all the nations
among whom I scattered you,
but of you I will not make a full end.
I will discipline you in just measure,
and I will by no means leave you unpunished.
12
For thus says the LORD:
Your hurt is incurable,
and your wound is grievous.
13
There is none to uphold your cause,
no medicine for your wound,
no healing for you.
14
All your lovers have forgotten you;
they care nothing for you;
for I have dealt you the blow of an enemy,
the punishment of a merciless foe,
because your guilt is great,
because your sins are flagrant.
15
Why do you cry out over your hurt?
Your pain is incurable.
Because your guilt is great,
because your sins are flagrant,
I have done these things to you.
16
Therefore all who devour you shall be devoured,
and all your foes, every one of them, shall go into captivity;
those who plunder you shall be plundered,
and all who prey on you I will make a prey.
17
For I will restore health to you,
and your wounds I will heal,
declares the LORD,
because they have called you an outcast:
‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’
18
Thus says the LORD:
Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob
and have compassion on his dwellings;
the city shall be rebuilt on its mound,
and the palace shall stand where it used to be.
19
Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving,
and the voices of those who celebrate.
I will multiply them, and they shall not be few;
I will make them honored, and they shall not be small.
20
Their children shall be as they were of old,
and their congregation shall be established before me,
and I will punish all who oppress them.
21
Their prince shall be one of themselves;
their ruler shall come out from their midst;
I will make him draw near, and he shall approach me,
for who would dare of himself to approach me?
declares the LORD.
22
And you shall be my people,
and I will be your God.”
23
Behold the storm of the LORD!
Wrath has gone forth,
a whirling tempest;
it will burst upon the head of the wicked.
24
The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back
until he has executed and accomplished
the intentions of his mind.
In the latter days you will understand this.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Jeremiah
Timeline
Author and Date
Jeremiah was called to be a prophet c. 627 B.C., when he was young (1:6). He served for more than 40 years (1:2–3). Jeremiah had a difficult life. His messages of repentance delivered at the temple were not well received (7:1–8:3; 26:1–11). His hometown plotted against him (11:18–23), and he endured much persecution (20:1–6; 37:11–38:13; 43:1–7). At God’s command, he never married (16:1–4). Although he preached God’s word faithfully, he apparently had only two converts: Baruch, his scribe (32:12; 36:1–4; 45:1–5); and Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian eunuch who served the king (38:7–13; 39:15–18). Though the book does not reveal the time or place of Jeremiah’s death, he probably died in Egypt, where he had been taken by his countrymen against his will after the fall of Jerusalem (43:1–7). He most likely did not live to see the devastation he mentions in chs. 46–51.
Purpose
Jeremiah and Baruch left a record of the difficult times in which they lived, God’s message for those times, and God’s message for the future of Israel and the nations.
Key Themes
- God and humanity. God alone is a living God. God alone made the world. All other so-called gods are mere idols (10:1–16). This Creator God called Israel to a special relationship (chs. 2–6), gave her his holy word, and promised to bless her temple with his name and presence (7:1–8:3). God rules both the present and the future (1:4–16; 29:1–10), protects his chosen ones (1:17–19; 29:11–14; 39:15–18; 45:1–5), and saves those who turn to him (12:14–17). Because God is absolutely trustworthy and always keeps his promises, his grace triumphs over sin and judgment when people repent and turn to him.
The human heart is sick, and no one except God can cure it (17:9–10). The nations worship idols instead of their Creator (10:1–16). Israel, God’s covenant people, went after other gods (chs. 2–6), defiled the temple by their unwillingness to repent (7:1–8:3; 26:1–11), and oppressed one another (34:8–16). Since Israel and the nations have sinned against God (25:1–26), God the Creator is also the Judge of every nation on the earth he created (chs. 46–51).
- Old covenant, Messiah, and new covenant. God made a covenant with Israel, based on his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12–50). As time passed, God’s covenant with Israel included his promise to David of an eternal kingdom (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17). God used Jeremiah to deliver the good news that, sometime in the future, God would “make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (Jer. 31:31). This covenant would be different in one major way. The new covenant partners will not break the covenant, as most of the old partners did even though God was completely faithful (31:32). Instead, the new covenant partners will have the word of God so ingrained in their hearts through God’s power that they will know and follow God all their lives (31:33–34).
Thus, all the new covenant partners will be believers who are forgiven and empowered by God; he will “remember their sin no more” (31:34). Hebrews 8:8–12 quotes Jer. 31:31–34 as evidence that the new covenant has come through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The coming of Jesus the Messiah fulfills God’s promises to Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets.
Outline
- Introduction (1:1–19)
- Israel’s Covenantal Adultery (2:1–6:30)
- False Religion and an Idolatrous People (7:1–10:25)
- Jeremiah’s Struggles with God and Judah (11:1–20:18)
- Jeremiah’s Confrontations (21:1–29:32)
- Restoration for Judah and Israel (30:1–33:26)
- God Judges Judah (34:1–45:5)
- God’s Judgment on the Nations (46:1–51:64)
- Conclusion: The Fall of Jerusalem (52:1–34)
Israel and Judah at the Time of Jeremiah
c. 597 B.C.
The book of Jeremiah is set during the politically tumultuous times following the fall of the Assyrians and the rise of the Babylonians. During Jeremiah’s life, several groups of Judeans were deported to Babylon and the temple was destroyed. Though the precise boundaries of Judea and the surrounding regions during this period are difficult to determine, they likely resembled those that previously existed under Assyrian rule, with the exception that Edom (Idumea) was now the area formerly belonging to southern Judah.
Fact: Why were Israel’s craftsmen taken?
Why were Israel’s craftsmen taken? Craftsmen were highly prized by conquering kings (29:2). They could provide assistance with the king’s projects as well as offer secrets of the trade that had been passed down through the generations.
Fact: Books
Books in the OT could refer to any written material (see 30:2). Usually this was in the form of papyrus scrolls. Pages were glued together end to end so they could be rolled up. A typical papyrus page was similar to the pages used in printers today. Scrolls were usually around 20 pages long, or roughly 15 feet (4.5 m).
Fact: Daniel’s prayer
Daniel’s prayer. Jeremiah prophesied that God would restore his people after 70 years in Babylon (Jer. 25:11–14; 29:10). With this in mind, Daniel prays for Israel’s restoration (Dan. 9:1–19).
Israel and Judah at the Time of Jeremiah
c. 597 B.C.
The book of Jeremiah is set during the politically tumultuous times following the fall of the Assyrians and the rise of the Babylonians. During Jeremiah’s life, several groups of Judeans were deported to Babylon and the temple was destroyed. Though the precise boundaries of Judea and the surrounding regions during this period are difficult to determine, they likely resembled those that previously existed under Assyrian rule, with the exception that Edom (Idumea) was now the area formerly belonging to southern Judah.
The Hebrew Calendar
The Hebrew calendar was composed of 12 lunar months, each of which began when the thin crescent moon was first visible at sunset. They were composed of approximately 29/30 days and were built around the agricultural seasons. Apparently some of the names of the months were changed after the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon (e.g., the first month of Abib changed to Nisan; for dates of the exile, see p. 31). The months of the Hebrew calendar (left column) are compared to the corresponding months of the modern (Gregorian) calendar shown in the center column. Biblical references (in the third column) indicate references to the Hebrew calendar cited in the Bible.
*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.
Daniel
Daniel was a young man from a noble family who was deported from Judah to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar (605 B.C.). The Babylonians trained Daniel for three years in their language and culture. The Lord blessed Daniel with exceptional wisdom in these areas. He also gave Daniel the ability to interpret dreams. When Daniel interpreted a dream for Nebuchadnezzar, the grateful king gave him an important position in the royal court. After the fall of the Babylonian Empire, Daniel served in a similar role in the Medo-Persian Empire that succeeded it (6:28). Daniel was a faithful servant of the Lord who consistently refused to disobey God. At the same time, he remained respectful to those in authority over him. Daniel, along with his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, did precisely what God had commanded the exiles to do in Jeremiah 29:7: they were a blessing to their captors while at the same time remaining true to their Lord amid extraordinary pressures. (Daniel 1:17–21)
Jer. 28:2–4 Thus says the LORD. Hananiah claimed divine authority for his false prophecy. I have broken the yoke . . . Within two years. Hananiah contradicts Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning Babylon (27:8–11) and the temple’s vessels (27:19–22).
Jer. 28:8–9 Jeremiah’s point is that peace and security is the rarer of the two messages described here. Peace requires repentance (26:18–19), which has not occurred.
Jer. 28:12–15 God says that Hananiah’s prophecy turns the yoke-bars of surrender into a yoke of devastation by leading people to ignore God’s advice to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar (27:1–11).
Jer. 28:16–17 Hananiah’s prophecy was rebellion against the LORD. He died two months after uttering it (vv. 1–4).
The Hebrew Calendar
The Hebrew calendar was composed of 12 lunar months, each of which began when the thin crescent moon was first visible at sunset. They were composed of approximately 29/30 days and were built around the agricultural seasons. Apparently some of the names of the months were changed after the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon (e.g., the first month of Abib changed to Nisan; for dates of the exile, see p. 31). The months of the Hebrew calendar (left column) are compared to the corresponding months of the modern (Gregorian) calendar shown in the center column. Biblical references (in the third column) indicate references to the Hebrew calendar cited in the Bible.
*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.
Jer. 29:1 This letter reassures these exiles that God has not abandoned them or forgotten his purpose for them. At the same time, since its contents would be widely known back home in Judah, it also reinforces Jeremiah’s announcements of coming judgment on those who remained there. All the people were taken into exile in 597 B.C. by Nebuchadnezzar.
Fact: Why were Israel’s craftsmen taken?
Why were Israel’s craftsmen taken? Craftsmen were highly prized by conquering kings (29:2). They could provide assistance with the king’s projects as well as offer secrets of the trade that had been passed down through the generations.
Jer. 29:7 The exiles should hope and work for Babylon’s success, for they will share in this success. Welfare covers all aspects of peace and plenty (see note on John 14:27). The people of Israel were true to their calling when they brought blessing to the Gentiles (Gen. 12:2–3).
Daniel
Daniel was a young man from a noble family who was deported from Judah to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar (605 B.C.). The Babylonians trained Daniel for three years in their language and culture. The Lord blessed Daniel with exceptional wisdom in these areas. He also gave Daniel the ability to interpret dreams. When Daniel interpreted a dream for Nebuchadnezzar, the grateful king gave him an important position in the royal court. After the fall of the Babylonian Empire, Daniel served in a similar role in the Medo-Persian Empire that succeeded it (6:28). Daniel was a faithful servant of the Lord who consistently refused to disobey God. At the same time, he remained respectful to those in authority over him. Daniel, along with his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, did precisely what God had commanded the exiles to do in Jeremiah 29:7: they were a blessing to their captors while at the same time remaining true to their Lord amid extraordinary pressures. (Daniel 1:17–21)
Fact: Daniel’s prayer
Daniel’s prayer. Jeremiah prophesied that God would restore his people after 70 years in Babylon (Jer. 25:11–14; 29:10). With this in mind, Daniel prays for Israel’s restoration (Dan. 9:1–19).
Jer. 29:11 God’s plans for the exiles are for welfare (see note on v. 7), not evil, or “calamity.” Having sought Babylon’s welfare, the exiles will receive God’s welfare in the form of a future and a hope in their homeland.
Jer. 29:13 You will seek me and find me. This amazing promise from the infinitely righteous, holy God to sinful people echoes a promise in Deut. 4:29. It remains true (John 6:37).
Jer. 29:14 I will bring you back. After 70 years, Israel’s repentant prayers and changed hearts will lead to God’s restoration of the nation (see Deut. 30:1–10).
Jer. 29:21–22 As vv. 8–9 indicate, false prophets addressed the exiles. prophesying a lie. See 27:10, 14, 16; 28:15; 29:9. The lie is not specified, but they probably promised a quick return from exile. strike them down. The penalty for their lies contrasts with God’s protection of Jeremiah (1:17–19). Their fate will be so terrible that they will become a curse used to condemn others.
Jer. 29:25 Shemaiah sent letters from Babylon to counter Jeremiah’s prior correspondence (vv. 4–23). Zephaniah. Not the prophet. See 21:1–2.
Jer. 29:27–28 Shemaiah does not consider Jeremiah’s letter (vv. 4–23) either comforting or true. Rather, he believes prophets like Hananiah who prophesy a short exile (ch. 28). Anathoth. See 1:1–3.
Jer. 21:1–29:32 Jeremiah’s Confrontations. Having solidified his relationship with God, Jeremiah confronts his enemies and their beliefs. He opposes kings (21:1–23:8), false prophets (23:9–40), the people (24:1–25:38), and false belief (26:1–29:32).
Jer. 29:31–32 Shemaiah is revealed as a false prophet who makes people trust in lies (28:15).
Jer. 30:2 Write in a book. See 25:13; 36:2. This would preserve the words for future generations.
Fact: Books
Books in the OT could refer to any written material (see 30:2). Usually this was in the form of papyrus scrolls. Pages were glued together end to end so they could be rolled up. A typical papyrus page was similar to the pages used in printers today. Scrolls were usually around 20 pages long, or roughly 15 feet (4.5 m).
Jer. 30:4 These promises of hope include the long-defeated Israel, not just Judah. The whole nation will be united again.
Jer. 30:7 That day. The day of the Lord, the day of judgment (Isa. 2:6–22; Amos 5:18–20; etc.; see also The Day of the Lord in the Prophets). time of distress for Jacob. Israel will suffer. yet he shall be saved out of it. The day of judgment will remove Israel’s foes.
The Day of the Lord in the Prophets
Jer. 30:8 yoke. See 2:20; 5:5; 27:8–12; 28:1–17. burst your bonds. See 2:20; 5:5. foreigners. Such as Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Persia. servant. As Israel was in pre-exodus days (Ex. 2:23–25; 5:10–23).
Jer. 30:9 The people will respond to deliverance by serving God and the Davidic king (23:1–8). For David as the name of the Davidic king (and ultimately the Messiah), see Ezek. 34:23–24; 37:24–25; Hos. 3:5. This service will be a complete reversal of their previous disobedience.
Jer. 30:11 I am with you to save you. For God to be “with” someone is for him to help that person to carry out his calling (1:8, 19; 20:11; 42:11; see Gen. 39:2–3). make a full end. Completely destroy (Jer. 46:28).
Jer. 30:14 lovers. Former allies and their gods (3:1–2; 4:30; 22:20–23; Lam. 1:2, 19). the blow of an enemy. God turned from fighting for Israel (Ex. 15:1–18) to fighting against Israel (Jer. 11:14–17; 15:1–9; 27:8). guilt is great. Israel sought other gods in violation of their covenant with God.
Jer. 30:20 established before me. They will regain God’s favor.
Jer. 30:22 Jeremiah expects the privileges of the covenant (Ex. 29:45; Lev. 26:12; Deut. 27:9) to be renewed, especially after the exile (see Jer. 24:7; 31:33; Ezek. 37:23; Zech. 8:8).
Jer. 30:24 God’s intentions include removing the wicked in Israel (v. 23), displacing Israel’s enemies, and establishing Israel’s king (v. 21). Israel will be God’s pure people again, yet only in the latter days, that is, sometime in the unspecified future.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Jeremiah 28-30
We may not know the plans God has for us, but he knows. Jeremiah 29:11 is the Scripture that God laid on my mom's heart for me in my twenties. At the time, I struggled with severe intrusive thoughts, as well as finding a career path. The comfortable little bubble I spent most of my life in had been replaced with hardship, which was a foreign concept to me. In my hopelessness, "I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4) He told me to press on, despite the turmoil within. Little did I know that while my plans were failing, the Lord's plans were prevailing!
In Jeremiah 28-29, God's people in Jerusalem were exiled to Babylon. Everything they knew and loved was replaced with many unknowns. Amid the unknowns, God gave the Israelites a clear directive: build homes, provide for themselves, and have families. They were instructed to thrive in the new land by not dwelling on their past. During this challenging time, God prophesied that his people would be restored and that his plans would not lead to their destruction but give them "a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).
Hope and redemption are found in Jeremiah 30. Even though the Israelites faced discipline for their rebellion, God would set them free from Babylonian rule and restore them to their land and rebuild Jerusalem. Ultimately, God gave them the promise of a coming king —Jesus! "But they shall serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them." (Jeremiah 30:9) He gave them immediate hope and absolute hope in a way they could never fathom.
When reflecting on this difficult season in my life, I now understand that had I not gotten to a place of hopelessness, I would never have sought the Lord. I am thankful for the Lord's gift of discipline. He loves us so much that he allows us to go through hard seasons so that we will draw near to him. Then, he gives us the gift of complete restoration in Jesus!
This month's memory verse
"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
– Lamentations 3:21-23
Discussion Questions
1. When reflecting on Jeremiah 28-29, can you describe a time when you were in a season of discipline in your walk with the Lord? What did this season reveal to you about God and yourself?
2. In Jeremiah 29:11, God promises his people that he knows the plans he has for them, and his plans will give them a future and hope. Similarly today, God knows the plans he has for your life. How do you respond to this truth?
3. Why do you think the Lord commands the people of Jerusalem to build homes, provide for themselves, and have families while in exile in Babylon?
4. In Jeremiah 30, God promises renewed hope for the Israelites. Before hope comes, there is judgment for Israel's rebellion against the Lord. Why do you think judgment must take place before the promise of hope can be realized?