1The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD after Nebuzaradan the chief guard had sent him from Ramah, when he took him and bound him in chains among all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were being taken into exile to Babylon.2The chief guard took Jeremiah and said to him, "The LORD your God has spoken this distress against this place."3The LORD brought it about and did just as he had spoken, because you sinned against the LORD and did not obey his voice; therefore this word has come to you.4Now behold, I have released you today from the chains that are on your hands. If it seems good in your eyes to come with me to Babylon, come, and I will set my eye upon you. But if it seems evil in your eyes to come with me to Babylon, stop. See, all the land is before you; go wherever it seems good and upright in your eyes.5While Jeremiah had not yet turned back, Nebuzaradan said, "Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wherever it seems upright in your eyes to go." And the chief guard gave him provisions and a gift and sent him away.6So Jeremiah went to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpeh and dwelt with him among the people who remained in the land.