4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles who were taken from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build yourselves houses there to live in. Plant gardens and grow food to eat. 7 Help make the city where I’ve exiled you more prosperous. Pray to the Lord for it, since as it prospers, so will you.
10 This is what the Lord says: When the seventy years exile in Babylon is over, I will see to you and keep my promise to bring you back to Jerusalem. 11 I know what I intend to do for you, declares the Lord. I plan good things for you and not bad. I’m going to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call for my help, you will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. 13 You will look for me and you will find me when you’re completely committed to looking for me.