29:1 The prophet Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles Nebuchadnezzar had carried off from Jerusalem ¹  to Babylon. It was addressed to the elders who were left among the exiles, to the priests, to the prophets, and to all the other people who were exiled in Babylon. ²  29:2 He sent it after King Jeconiah, the queen mother, the palace officials, ³  the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metal workers had been exiled from Jerusalem. ⁴  29:3 He sent it with Elasah son of Shaphan ⁵  and Gemariah son of Hilkiah. ⁶  King Zedekiah of Judah had sent these men to Babylon to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. ⁷  The letter said:

29:4 “The Lord God of Israel who rules over all ⁸  says to all those he sent ⁹  into exile to Babylon from Jerusalem, ¹⁰  29:5 ‘Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat what they produce. 29:6 Marry and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons and allow your daughters get married so that they too can have sons and daughters. Grow in number; do not dwindle away. 29:7 Work to see that the city where I sent you as exiles enjoys peace and prosperity. Pray to the Lord for it. For as it prospers you will prosper.’