³ And now the Lord has brought it about; he has done just as he said he would. All this happened because you people sinned^(A) against the Lord and did not obey^(B) him. ⁴ But today I am freeing^(C) you from the chains^(D) 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.”^{(E) 5} However, before Jeremiah turned to go,^[a] Nebuzaradan added, “Go back to Gedaliah^(F) son of Ahikam,^(G) the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed^(H) over the towns^(I) of Judah, and live with him among the people, or go anywhere else you please.”^(J)

Then the commander gave him provisions and a present^(K) and let him go.