Jeremiah 29:5-7

The exiles were to settle down in Babylon, and carry on life as usual, rather than to plan on returning home soon. They were to build houses, plant gardens, marry, have children, and anticipate grandchildren.

"The external circumstances are far removed from humanity’s first home in a fruitful garden, but the divine blessing and human task are remarkably similar (compare Genesis 1:28-29; Genesis 2:8-9; Genesis 2:15-16)." [Note: Scalise, p. 80.]

The exiles were also to seek the welfare of the city to which they had gone, rather than plotting its downfall. They were even to pray for Yahweh’s blessing on it (cf. Psalms 122:6; Matthew 5:43-44; Romans 12:21; Titus 2:9-11; 1 Peter 2:18). They would prosper as the city prospered. Ezekiel indicated that the exiles had their own organization of elders (Ezekiel 8:1; Ezekiel 14:1), which explains why many of the exiles followed Jeremiah’s instructions. They were neither slaves nor prisoners in Babylon, but enjoyed considerable autonomy.

"History shows that in all the centuries of their world-wide dispersion, the Jews have tried to follow this pattern. They have identified themselves with the country of their residence, while at the same time looking toward eventual restoration to their native land." [Note: Feinberg, p. 553.]