ירמיהו, פרק מ״ב, פסוק י׳

Caught in the aftermath of destruction and gripped by the fear of Babylonian revenge, the people of Judah face a critical choice about their future. The prophet steps forward with a divine guarantee of stability, growth, and protection, strongly encouraging the nation to remain in their homeland rather than flee. A heavy emphasis is placed on the simple act of staying. If the people choose to remain, God promises that they will firmly take root and prosper. They will grow in number and be spared from ever enduring exile again [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This promise of renewal is brought to life through contrasting imagery of creation and destruction. God envisions a future defined by building and planting, actions that represent the permanent re-establishment of the nation. These acts of growth stand in direct opposition to the forces of breaking down and uprooting. Moving forward, the people are assured that they will be completely shielded from the devastation and ruin that characterized their recent past [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The message concludes with a profound shift in the divine plan. God expresses a reversal of His previous intentions, stepping back with a sense of regret for the disaster He had already brought upon the nation. Through this change of heart, He offers a firm guarantee that He will not inflict any further harm upon them [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].