Jeremiah 29:28
For therefore he sent unto us in Babylon, saying, This captivity is long: build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them. For therefore he sent unto us in Babylon, saying, This captivity is long: build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them.
Jeremiah 29:28 belongs to Jeremiah's letters addressed to the Hebrew captives in Babylon. It affirms that the captivity in Babylon would extend over many years. Since the stay would be long, the exiles were to settle down, building homes to live in and planting gardens to enjoy their produce while they waited. Despite that prolonged delay, the promised return to their own land remained assured.