Jeremiah 29:3

By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan ,.... Perhaps the brother of Ahikam, and of Jaazaniah, Jeremiah 26:24 ;

and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah ; to distinguish him from Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, Jeremiah 36:10 ;

whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon ; as his ambassadors, on what account it is not certain; perhaps to pay the tribute money to him; or to treat with him about the restoration of some of the captives; or to cultivate friendship, and promise submission, and that he would faithfully keep the covenant he had made with him: and perhaps he might be jealous of Jeconiah using his interest with the king of Babylon for his restoration, which could not be acceptable to Zedekiah; and this might be one reason why he admitted his messengers to carry Jeremiah's letter to the captives, if he knew of it, or saw it; since it exhorted them not to think of a returns, but provide for a long continuance where they were; however, by the hand of these messengers Jeremiah sent his letter to them:

saying ; as follows: