Chapter Summary

Message to the Jews of the first captivity. Action against false prophets. Destruction foretold.

Discussion Questions for Jeremiah, Chapter 29

1. How does this letter (vv. 10-23) compare to the message the Lord gives by Jeremiah in chapters 24-28? Why do you think that the Lord often repeats His messages in scripture? What are some day-to-day ways believers can incorperate repitition and reiteration of God's truth in our own lives?
2. Who is this letter addressed to? What is the overall thrust of the message given to the exiles in Babylon and how is it similar to the message given in chapter 27 to all the nations?
3. Why should the Judean exiles "seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you, and pray to the Lord on its behalf" (v. 7, NASB) when the nation Babylon of did not worship God? How is the welfare of any given nation today good for the people of God and the gospel? What can you do to ehance the welfare of your city and nation in a way that honors God?
4. How is the command in verse 7 similar to the command given to believers in Romans 13:1-10? How is it different? How was Paul's context similar to that of the exiles in Babylon? How does your context compare in your nation, and how ought you best be subject to your authorities while following Christ?
5. How long will these exiles stay in Babylon, for about how many generations? How is this message in Jeremiah's first letter ultimately a "good word" (v.10, NASB), though there is bad news within it? How do believers likewise endure suffering in this world while we wait for it to be renewed at the return of Jesus?
6. The Judean exiles are made to take a long view of the plans of God to see the ultimate good in the later generations return. How might believers apply this example of long-view faith to our lives? Along with looking forward to Christ's return, how can we look forward in a way to help the next generation of believers while the Lord tarries?
7. In verse 13, what does it mean when God says to the Judeans, "you will seek Me and you will find Me when you search for Me with all your heart" (NASB)? What actions are involved in seeking and finding the Lord? How is this seeking comparative to the attitude Judah had before they were exiled? What is something difficult in your life that ultimately brought you closer to God?
8. How are Ahab and Zedekiah (vv.21-23) liken to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in Daniel 3? What are some differences between these two groups of men, and why did their fates turn out so differently? How can a comparison of these two stories help us to discern the difference between true defenders of the faith and zealous charlatans who pose as defenders of the faith?
9. How many letters from Jeremiah are in chapter 29? Where are these letters located in the chapter? Who are the last two letters addressed to and what is their purpose?
10. What is the sin of Shemaiah, and have we seen this sin recently in the book of Jeremiah? How is Shemaiah punished for making the people "trust in a lie" (v.31, NASB)? What repercussions will him and his whole family face because of his sin? How can our own sin affect those around us, even to the point of affecting our descendants? What is the biggest example of this found in scripture?

Key Words/Phrase

True and false prophecies, vv. 20, 21.

Characters

Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Jeconiah, Elasah, Gemariah, Ahab, Zedekiah, Shemaiah, Zephaniah, Jehoiada.

Strong Verse(s)

11, 12, 13.