Jeremiah Freed

The word came to Jeremiah from the Lord

after Nebuzaradan

commander of the imperial guard

had released him at Ramah.

He had found Jeremiah bound in chains

among all the captives from Jerusalem and Judah

who were being carried into exile to Babylon.

When the commander of the guard

found Jeremiah,

"The Lord your God

decreed this disaster for this place.

And now the Lord has brought it about;

He has done just as He said He would.

All this happened because you people sinned

against the Lord and did not obey Him.

But today I am free you

from the chains on your wrists.

Come with me to Babylon, if you like,

and I will look after you;

but if you do not want to, then don't come.

Look, the whole country lies before you;

go wherever you please."

However, before Jeremiah turned to go,

Nebuzaradan added,

"Go back to Gedaliah son of Ahikam,

the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon

has appointed of the towns of Judah,

and live with among the people,

or go anywhere else you please."

Then the commander gave him provisions

and a present and let him go.

So Jeremiah went to Gedaliah

son of Ahikam at Mizpah

and stayed with him among the people

who were left behind in the land.

(Jeremiah 40:1-6)