29:7 welfare. Peace (6:14 and note) is the chief covenantal blessing. The peace lightly promised by the false prophets (8:11) gives way to a true peace (see also John 14:27).

pray. The Lord’s blessing can come on any nation through the prayer and action of His people; compare Abraham (Gen. 20:17), Joseph (Gen. 37–50), and Daniel (Dan. 1–6).