King James Bible
"And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace."
God commands the Jewish exiles to actively pursue Babylon's welfare despite being forcibly relocated there. This radical instruction challenges the natural inclination to resent or sabotage their captors, instead calling them to invest in their temporary home's prosperity. The exiles must intercede for their pagan oppressors, demonstrating that God's people are to be channels of blessing even to their enemies. This prayer mandate reveals God's sovereignty over all nations and His desire to work through His people regardless of their circumstances. God establishes a principle of mutual flourishing—the exiles' wellbeing is tied to Babylon's stability. This practical wisdom recognizes that societal chaos harms everyone, while also hinting at God's long-term plan to preserve His people through their 70-year captivity.