5 "Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat what they produce.
6 Get married. Have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons. Give your daughters to be married. Then they too can have sons and daughters. Increase your numbers there. Do not let the number of your people get smaller.
7 "Also work for the success of the city I have sent you to. Pray to the Lord for that city. If it succeeds, you too will enjoy success."
8 The Lord who rules over all is the God of Israel. He says, "Do not let the prophets trick you. Do not be fooled by those who claim to have secret knowledge. Do not listen to people who try to explain their dreams to you.
9 All of them are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," announces the Lord.
10 The Lord says, "You will be forced to live in Babylonia for 70 years. After they are over, I will come to you. My gracious promise to you will come true. I will bring you back home.
11 "I know the plans I have for you," announces the Lord. "I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come.