Oct 9, 2016
21 Pentecost
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles in Babylon

Background: The account provided by the prophet Jeremiah details how Israel is condemned for not following the covenant with God and their wanton disrespect for the ways of salvation. This book is unique because it provides an account from before the siege of Jerusalem, during the siege, the fall of Jerusalem, and following the fall during the exile to Babylon.

Theme: This narrative is a response to the attempted rebellion that was incited by false prophets in the preceding chapters. In this fragment, the prophet describes how the exiles from Israel are supposed to act and prepare their future lives in Babylon.

Questions to Ponder:
* Please read Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7. In addition, read chapters 26-28 and verses 29:2-3 for background and context.
* What has happened to set the stage for this passage? Specifically, why is most of Israel in Babylon, why s Jeremiah not trusted, why might Israel be encouraged to revolt against Babylon?
* In the recent past, what has Israel’s reaction been to Jeremiah’s prophecies? Have the people reacted in the same manner as the religious leaders?
* What has recently happened to cause Jeremiah to warn Israel to not rebel or to not try to upset Babylon?
* For what reason might Jeremiah send this prophecy to Israel by sending it to Nebuchadnezzar as opposed to the Jewish leaders in exile?
* For what reason might Jeremiah tell Israel to live “normal lives” while they are in Babylon? Why might Jeremiah, in essence, tell Israel to not fight back against Babylon?
* To whom is Jeremiah expecting Israel to be faithful while in exile?
* Why might it be in God’s interest for Israel to not rebel?
* Does it appear that the message of this passage is counter to the “popular” (and often successful) peaceful resistance movement of the 20th and 21st centuries? If so, what has changed between then and now?
* How might we translate this message into reality for our society and those who are oppressed today?