Jeremiah 29:7

Arabic Bible (GNA) Good News Arabic - 1993 (الترجمة العربية المشتركة)

إعمَلوا لِخَيرِ المدينةِ الّتي سبَيتُكُم إليها، وصلُّوا مِنْ أجلِها. ففي خَيرِها خَيرُكُم.

What Does This Mean?

God, through the prophet Jeremiah, tells the people of Judah who were taken captive to Babylon to seek the peace and prosperity of the city where they now live. The key message is that their own well-being is tied to the well-being of the city.

Explained for Children

Imagine you moved to a new school where you didn't want to be. God says, 'Make your new school a happy place and pray for it. If your school is happy, you'll be happy too.'

Historical Background

Jeremiah wrote this to the Jewish exiles in Babylon around 597 BC. They were taken there by the Babylonian king as captives. The audience was facing a difficult time, and Jeremiah gave them hope and a purpose in their new land.

Living It Out Today

Today, if you move to a new city or community, this verse encourages you to actively seek to improve your surroundings. By praying for and working towards the betterment of your community, you will find personal peace and prosperity.

Topics

• hope
• faith
• peace
• prayer
• exile
• community

Related Verses

• Ezekiel 33:6
• Habakkuk 2:4
• Romans 12:18
• Matthew 5:9
• 1 Peter 3:11

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God tell the people to seek the peace of Babylon?

God wanted the exiles to see Babylon as their new home for the time being and to work for its good, knowing that their own peace would come from the peace of the city.

How can seeking peace in a city lead to personal peace?

By contributing to the welfare of a community, individuals often find their own lives enriched and their personal peace enhanced.

What does this verse say about praying for others?

It emphasizes the importance of praying for the place and people we live among, recognizing that their well-being affects our own.

How does this relate to the concept of exile in the Bible?

This verse shows that even in exile, God's people are called to be agents of good and peace, reflecting their faith in a new environment.