Jeremiah 40:1-10
What has become of Jeremiah during all these events? He remained in the courtyard of the prison "until the day that Jerusalem was taken" (Jeremiah 38:28). He was then chained up with all the other captives and, until they reached Ramah, was one of those in the dismal procession being deported into exile. However, Nebuzar-adan, the captain of the guard in charge of the prisoners, received favourable instructions concerning Jeremiah from the king of Babylon himself. Not only is no harm to come to him, but the prophet is allowed to determine his own future for himself. Will he go to Babylon where the "good figs" from Jeremiah 24:1-10 are, those taken captive whom the LORD has promised to protect and prosper? Or will he stay with these poor people of the land who are left in Judah? Despite the freedom which he has been given, the prophet refuses to choose for himself (v. 5), thus giving us a new lesson in dependence. It is not a question of his well-being, rather the desire to be in the place where God wants to put him to serve Him. Without any special sign from above, he lets the captain of the guard choose for him and recognises the LORD’s will in the advice which he gets.