Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem and besieged it. It wasn't until the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, that the city was broken up.

All the princes of the king of Babylon came into the middle gate, seated themselves there, including Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarsechim the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the rest of the princes of the king of Babylon. Seeing them and all the men of war, Zedekiah the king of Judah fled and went out of the city by night through the gate between the two walls, going out by the way of the king's garden.

The Chaldeans' army pursued Zedekiah and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; they brought him to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath. There he gave judgment upon him. The king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes, also slaying all the nobles of Judah.

Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, put out Zedekiah's eyes and bound him with chains to take him to Babylon. The Chaldeans burned the king's house and the houses of the people with fire, breaking down the walls of Jerusalem. Nebuzaradan led away captive into Babylon those who remained in Jerusalem, including those who had defected to him, along with the rest of the people who were left.

However, Nebuzaradan left behind some of the poor people in Judah and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time. He did this while leading a portion of the remaining people away into exile. The king of Babylon also gave orders concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying: "Take him and look well to his welfare, doing nothing to harm him; instead, do to him exactly as he instructs you."

Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, sent Nebushasban, Rabsaris, and Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, along with all the king of Babylon's princes. Nebuchadnezzar ordered Nebuzaradan to take Jeremiah out of the prison courtyard and entrust him to Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam.

The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah while he was shut up in the court of the prison: "You will be carried off as prisoners by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. The Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Behold, I will bring my words on this city for evil, and not for good; they shall be accomplished before you in that day.

But I will deliver you in that day, says the Lord. You shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. I will surely deliver you, and you will not fall by the sword, but your life will be spared because you have put your trust in me, says the Lord."