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Job 23:13
But heis in onemind, and who can turn him? andwhat his soul desireth, eventhat he doeth.

Psalm 33:11
The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Psalm 40:5
Many, O LORD my God,are thy wonderful workswhich thou hast done, and thy thoughtswhich are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee:if I would declare and speakof them, they are more than can be numbered.

thoughts.

Jeremiah 3:12-19
Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD;and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for Iam merciful, saith the LORD,and I will not keepanger for ever…

Jeremiah 30:18-22
Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof…

Jeremiah 31:1
At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.

expected end.

Lamentations 3:26
It is good thata man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

plans to prosper you and not to harm you
The word "prosper" here is often associated with the Hebrew word "shalom," which means peace, completeness, and welfare. This promise is not merely about material prosperity but encompasses spiritual well-being and fulfillment. In the historical context, the Israelites were experiencing hardship, yet God assures them that His intentions are for their ultimate good. This echoes the covenantal promises found throughout the Old Testament, where God commits to the welfare of His people. The assurance of "not to harm you" contrasts with their current suffering, highlighting God's ultimate purpose of restoration and blessing.

to give you a future and a hope
This phrase offers a vision beyond the immediate circumstances of exile. The "future" implies a continuation of God's covenant promises, looking forward to a time of restoration and return to their homeland, as prophesied in other parts of Jeremiah (e.g.,Jeremiah 30:3). The "hope" is a confident expectation rooted in God's faithfulness. This hope is not just for the Israelites but is a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, pointing to the ultimate hope found in Jesus Christ, who fulfills God's redemptive plan for humanity. The promise of a future and hope is a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people, even in times of trial.

God speaks to Judah’s exiles with absolute certainty, not vague optimism. He alone sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9-10) and knows every hidden detail of their situation (Psalm 139:1-4). That same omniscience extends to each believer today. Notice:

• His knowledge is personal—“plans I have for you,” not “for some abstract group.” (Matthew 10:30)

• His plans stand even when circumstances look chaotic, just as Joseph learned inGenesis 50:20.

• Because He is the Author, we need not draft our own rescue; we simply trust His script (Proverbs 16:9;Romans 8:28).

This isn’t wishful thinking; it is divine proclamation. When the covenant-keeping LORD speaks, His word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).

• His track record proves it—every promise to Abraham, Moses, and David reached fulfillment (Joshua 21:45;2 Samuel 7:28).

• He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19;Titus 1:2).

• Therefore the exiles—and we—can anchor our hearts to His declaration rather than to shifting emotions or headlines (Hebrews 6:17-19).

“Prosper” here points to overall well-being, peace, and fruitfulness. God is assuring His people that Babylon is not their ruin.

• Protection: As inPsalm 121:7-8, the Lord keeps His own from ultimate harm.

• Provision: Just as He sustained them with manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16), He will sustain them in captivity.

• Purpose: Even painful seasons become instruments for growth (James 1:2-4); exile would refine Israel, not destroy her.

This promise does not erase discipline (Hebrews 12:6) but clarifies its loving objective.

Exile felt like a dead end, yet God spoke of tomorrow. Seventy years later He would bring them back (Jeremiah 29:10;Ezra 1:1-4).

• Future: God’s story for His people always stretches beyond the immediate trial (Jeremiah 31:17;1 Corinthians 2:9).

• Hope: Biblical hope is confident expectation, anchored in Christ’s resurrection (1 Peter 1:3-4;Romans 15:13).

• Fulfillment: Ultimately, this verse looks forward to the New Covenant and the kingdom where every tear is wiped away (Jeremiah 31:31-34;Revelation 21:4).

Jeremiah 29:11 assures God’s covenant people that His all-knowing, sovereign plans are for their good, proclaimed by His unchanging word, shielding them from ultimate harm, and steering them toward a bright, hope-filled future. In Christ, every believer inherits the same certainty: our Father sees, speaks, protects, and leads us into everlasting hope.

To give you an expected end.--Better,to give you a future(that which is to be hereafter)and a hope.This is the literal rendering of the words, and it is far more expressive than that of the English version. An "expected end" may be one from which we shrink in fear or dislike. Each word, in the amended translation, has its full meaning. The "future" tells them that their history as a people is not yet over; the "hope" that there is a better time in store for them. To wait for that future, instead of trusting in delusive assurances of immediate release, was the true wisdom of the exiles.