Jeremiah Is Set Free A Second Time

40:1 The Lord spoke to Jeremiah1 after Nebuzaradan the captain of the royal guard had set him free at Ramah.2 He had taken him there in chains3 along with all the people from Jerusalem4 and Judah who were being carried off to exile to Babylon. 40:2 The captain of the royal guard took Jeremiah aside and said to him, “The Lord your God threatened this place with this disaster. 40:3 Now he has brought it about. The Lord has done just as he threatened to do. This disaster has happened because you people sinned against the Lord and did not obey him.5 40:4 But now, Jeremiah, today I will set you free6 from the chains on your wrists. If you would like to come to Babylon with me, come along and I will take care of you.7 But if you prefer not to come to Babylon with me, you are not required to do so.8 You are free to go anywhere in the land you want to go.9 Go wherever you choose.”10 40:5 Before Jeremiah could turn to leave, the captain of the guard added, “Go back11 to Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed to govern12 the towns of Judah. Go back and live with him13 among the people. Or go wherever else you choose.” Then the captain of the guard gave Jeremiah some food and a present and let him go. 40:6 So Jeremiah went to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah14 and lived there with him. He stayed there to live among the people who had been left in the land of Judah.15