40:1 The Lord spoke to Jeremiah ¹  after Nebuzaradan the captain of the royal guard had set him free at Ramah. ²  He had taken him there in chains ³  along with all the people from Jerusalem ⁴  and Judah who were being carried off to exile to Babylon. 40:4 But now, Jeremiah, today I will set you free ⁵  from the chains on your wrists. If you would like to come to Babylon with me, come along and I will take care of you. ⁶  But if you prefer not to come to Babylon with me, you are not required to do so. ⁷  You are free to go anywhere in the land you want to go. ⁸  Go wherever you choose.” ⁹