Jeremiah 29:4-7
““This is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives whom I have carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them. Take wives, and have sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there, and don’t be diminished. Seek the shalom of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yahweh for it; for in its shalom you will have shalom.’”
Jeremiah, a prophet in Judah, wrote a letter to the Judeans who had been exiled to Babylon after the first invasion by King Nebuchadnezzar. They were likely holding onto hopes of a swift return, fueled by false prophets promising quick liberation. Jeremiah's message sought to realign their expectations with God's long-term plan.
What does it mean to seek the well-being of a place you didn't choose to be?