The Bible Says
Jeremiah 29:15-20 Meaning

Jeremiah, a prophet active between approximately 627 BC and sometime after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, continues to address the exiles in Babylon and those remaining in Jerusalem. He brings the words of the LORD to hearts that have not fully understood God’s plans. When he states, "Because you have said, 'The LORD has raised up prophets for us in Babylon,'" (v. 15), he points to the people’s assumption that they already have dependable guidance away from home, forgetting that true prophets must speak the whole counsel of God. Babylon, located in the region of modern-day Iraq along the Euphrates River, would have been a place of cultural upheaval for Jewish exiles who desperately longed for spiritual direction.

Jeremiah 29:15 suggests a complacent attitude that might arise from trusting in self-appointed or false prophets rather than patiently listening for God’s genuine word. Jeremiah’s role is to bring correction to this view, reminding the exiles that while God will speak to them, they must be cautious about voices that promise only comfort without truth. He challenges them to remain open to the LORD’s discipline, submitting to the messages that truly come from Him, rather than those that tell them what they want to hear.

Explaining God’s further declaration, Jeremiah writes: "For 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 brothers who did not go with you into exile-" (v. 16). Here, Jeremiah highlights those who remained in Jerusalem, still under the rule of a Davidic king. Jerusalem is a historic and sacred city, located in the region of ancient Judah, the center of worship and the seat of David’s lineage. By referencing the throne of David, Jeremiah connects his prophecy to the promises God made to David’s line (2 Samuel 7), though now the monarchy is on the brink of judgment due to widespread disobedience.

Jeremiah wants the exiles to understand that God’s activity is not limited to one location or ruler. Even those who stayed behind in Jerusalem, thinking they were still in God’s land, would face consequences if they did not heed the word of the LORD. The caution here underscores God’s sovereignty over all lands and peoples, especially those who claim to be under His protection.

He then conveys a sobering warning: "thus says the LORD of hosts, 'Behold, I am sending upon them the sword, famine and pestilence, and I will make them like split-open figs that cannot be eaten due to rottenness'" (v. 17). The LORD of hosts-meaning the God who commands heavenly armies-declares that harsh judgments will come upon those in Jerusalem. Sword, famine, and pestilence (v. 17) were three dire calamities that frequently signaled God’s severe discipline in the Old Testament (Ezekiel 14:21). The imagery of spoiled figs resembles a previous vision given to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 24), illustrating the utter ruin that comes from hard hearts.

This paints a picture of complete devastation for the unrepentant. Just as rotten figs are worthless and cannot nourish anyone, so the people in Jerusalem who reject God’s word are in spiritual decay. Rather than blessing and fruitfulness, they become unfit for God’s good purposes, bringing ruin upon themselves and failing to represent divine truth to the nations.

Jeremiah intensifies this prophecy: "I will pursue them with the sword, with famine and with pestilence; and I will make them a terror to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse and a horror and a hissing, and a reproach among all the nations where I have driven them," (v. 18). This graphic language highlights the extent of judgment and serves as a warning to any who would willingly dismiss God’s instructions. The mention of pursuit indicates that no matter where the people go, they cannot escape consequences for their repeated disobedience. Their reputation among the surrounding nations will become one of humiliation.

This grim outcome serves as another appeal for genuine repentance. Even under threat, God’s heart was for His people to turn back to Him. The mention of other nations ties the fate of Judah and Jerusalem to a broader context: Israel was meant to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6), yet their failure to heed the LORD’s word would cast them instead as a cautionary tale.

Jeremiah continues: "'because they have not listened to My words,' declares the LORD, 'which I sent to them again and again by My servants the prophets; but you did not listen,' declares the LORD" (v. 19). The root of their calamity is clear: their refusal to listen. God repeatedly sent prophets like Jeremiah, calling for repentance and devotion. Time after time, the people turned away or followed smooth-talking diviners who appealed to national pride rather than focusing on transformation of the heart.

Jeremiah 29:19 underscores God’s persistence and compassion. Though the people are stubborn, God does not abandon them without warning. They are reminded that exile itself is part of the discipline God uses to refine His people. From a New Testament perspective, believers see that persistent rebellion blocks relationship with the LORD, a theme Jesus also addresses when calling people to abide in Him (John 15:5-6).

Finally, the prophet addresses the exiles directly: "You, therefore, hear the word of the LORD, all you exiles, whom I have sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon" (v. 20). Though the exiles might feel cast off, Jeremiah shows that God is still speaking to them. They must not neglect this divine message simply because they live in a foreign land. Babylon, famed for its towering ziggurats and powerful kings, cannot stand against the word of the LORD. Instead, God intends to reach His people wherever they have been scattered.

These concluding words invite renewed commitment: the exiles are expected to heed the call, to abandon false assurances, and to trust that God’s plan will be accomplished. By turning back to the LORD rather than relying on self-proclaimed prophets, they open themselves to the possibility of restoration. This faithfully anticipates the new covenant promises seen later in Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31-34) and echoes forward to the hope found in Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20).