Jeremiah 29:10-14 Quotes
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Source: Jeremiah 29:10-14
Speaker: The Prophet Jeremiah
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
This is what the Lord says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
Context
This passage is written by Jeremiah in Jeremiah 29:10-14, in the New International Version of the Bible.
This little tidbit appears as part of a letter the Prophet Jeremiah sends to the folks living in exile in Babylon. See, these guys have just been kicked out of their homes in Israel by the big bad Babylonian army and they're not too happy. They're looking for some good news. Maybe God is gonna crush those nasty Babylonians and send everyone home. Hopefully?
No such luck. Jeremiah explains that God told him that the people of Israel are gonna have to live in Babylon for seventy years. Yup. That's a really long time. Then, and only then, will God bring them back home so that they can rebuild their nation. Gee, thanks God.
But this isn't the huge bummer you might think. Here God is reassuring his people that he cares about them. Sure, they're not going home for seventy years, but he still has plans for them. Things are gonna turn out all right in the end. He's got their backs. Nice going, Lord.
Where you've heard it
This is a nice verse because it speaks to God's plans for his people. You'll probably hear people break it out when they're just leaning on God for help. God works in mysterious ways, but hey, at least he's got a blueprint.
Additional Notable References:
- In the Night Angel trilogy, Dorian hears the voice of God tell him "I know the plans I have for you." Wow.
- It's also the basis of a gospel song called "I Know the Plans." Of course.
- Since this verse is a real spirit-lifter you'll also see it on lots of plaques, necklaces, and other happy trinkets.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
Sure, this verse might be a part of a passage about exile and sadness, but it's a glimmer of hope in a bummer time. No one will look down on you for sharing this happy little gem.