And seek the peace of the city
The prosperity and happiness of Babylon, or any other city in
Chaldea, were they were placed: this they were to do by prayer
and supplication to God, and by all other means that might be any
ways conducive to the good of the state where they were:
whither I have caused you to be carried away
captives;
and as long as they continued so; for being under the protection
of the magistrates of it, though Heathens, they owed them
submission, and were under obligation to contribute to their
peace and welfare: and pray unto the Lord for
it;
the city, where they dwelt; for the continuance, safety, peace,
and prosperity of it; and therefore much more ought the natives
of a place to seek and pray for its good, and do all that in them
lies to promote it; and still more should the saints and people
of God pray for the peace of Jerusalem, or the church of God,
where they are born, and brought up in a spiritual sense; see (
1 Timothy
2:1 1 Timothy
2:2 ) ( Psalms
122:6-9 ) ; for in the peace thereof shall ye have
peace;
which is an argument taken from self-interest; intimating, that
while the city in which they were was in safety and prosperity,
was in a flourishing condition, as to its health and trade, they
would partake more or less with them of the same advantages; and
on the other hand, should they be distressed with the sword,
famine, or pestilence, or any grievous calamity, they would be
involved in the same.