Jeremiah Stays

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,

he said to him,

"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 freeing 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

over the towns of Judah,

and live with him among the people,

or go anywhere else you please."

and stayed with him among the people

who were left behind in the land.

(Jeremiah 40:1-6)