Jeremiah 27:22

They will be carried to Babylon and will remain there until the day I attend to them again,' declares the LORD. 'Then I will bring them back and restore them to this place.'"

Study Bible

They will be carried to Babylon
This phrase refers to the prophesied exile of the sacred vessels and the people of Judah to Babylon. The Hebrew root for "carried" is "נָשָׂא" (nasa), which means to lift, bear, or carry away. This conveys the idea of being taken forcefully and against one's will, highlighting the severity of the judgment upon Judah. Historically, this occurred during the Babylonian conquest, a pivotal event that reshaped the Jewish nation. The exile was not just a physical relocation but a spiritual and cultural upheaval, serving as a divine chastisement for the people's disobedience.

and will remain there
The phrase "will remain" comes from the Hebrew "שָׁאַר" (sha'ar), meaning to remain or be left over. This indicates a prolonged period of captivity, emphasizing the completeness of God's judgment. The Babylonian exile lasted for seventy years, a significant period that allowed for reflection and repentance. This time of remaining in Babylon was a period of purification and transformation for the Jewish people, as they were stripped of their idolatrous practices and refocused on their covenant relationship with God.

until the day I attend to them
The word "attend" is derived from the Hebrew "פָּקַד" (paqad), which can mean to visit, attend to, or take action. This implies a future intervention by God, a promise of eventual restoration and redemption. It reassures the exiles that their situation is not permanent and that God has not forgotten them. This divine attention is a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in times of judgment. It points to the hope of return and the re-establishment of the covenant community in their homeland.

declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" is a common prophetic formula in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the authority and certainty of the message. The Hebrew "נְאֻם" (ne'um) is often used to introduce a divine pronouncement. This declaration assures the audience that the prophecy is not merely Jeremiah's words but the authoritative word of Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. It underscores the reliability of God's promises and the inevitability of His plans.

Then I will bring them back
The promise "I will bring them back" is rooted in the Hebrew "שׁוּב" (shuv), meaning to return or restore. This is a powerful assurance of God's redemptive plan. Despite the judgment, God promises restoration and a return to the land. This reflects the overarching biblical theme of redemption and the hope of renewal. It is a testament to God's grace and mercy, highlighting that His ultimate purpose is not destruction but restoration and reconciliation with His people.

and restore them to this place
The word "restore" is again linked to "שׁוּב" (shuv), reinforcing the theme of return and renewal. "This place" refers to Jerusalem and the land of Judah, the promised land given to the descendants of Abraham. The restoration to "this place" signifies not just a physical return but a spiritual renewal and a re-establishment of the community in their covenantal relationship with God. It is a promise of hope and future blessing, assuring the people that God's plans for them are for good, to give them a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He is known for his perseverance in the face of opposition.

2. Babylon
A powerful empire during the time of Jeremiah, known for its conquest of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people.

3. The Exile
The period when the people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon, a significant event in Jewish history that shaped their identity and faith.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises both judgment and restoration for His people.

5. Restoration
The promise of God to bring His people back from exile, symbolizing hope and renewal.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment and Restoration
God is in control of history, using even foreign nations like Babylon to accomplish His purposes. His plans include both judgment for sin and eventual restoration.

The Faithfulness of God's Promises
Despite the dire circumstances of exile, God promises to "attend" to His people and restore them. This underscores His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant.

Hope in Times of Discipline
The exile serves as a reminder that God's discipline is not the end. There is hope and a future for those who trust in Him, even in the midst of hardship.

The Importance of Patience and Trust
The period of exile required patience and trust in God's timing. Believers today are called to trust in God's perfect timing for their own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile enhance our comprehension of Jeremiah 27:22?

2. In what ways does the promise of restoration in Jeremiah 27:22 reflect God's character as seen throughout the Bible?

3. How can we apply the lessons of patience and trust from the exile to our personal lives today?

4. What are some modern-day "exiles" or challenges that believers face, and how can the promise of restoration provide hope?

5. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in Jeremiah 27:22 connect with other biblical accounts of God's control over nations and history?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 36:20-23
This passage describes the fulfillment of the prophecy of exile and the eventual decree by Cyrus allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises.

Daniel 9:2
Daniel's understanding of the seventy years of desolation prophesied by Jeremiah, showing the importance of prophecy in understanding God's timeline.

Ezra 1:1-4
The proclamation by Cyrus that allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem, fulfilling God's promise of restoration.