The word that came from the Lord to Ieremias afterward, after Nabouzardan the chief cook, the one from Daman, had sent him away, when he took him in handcuffs in the midst of the exile of Judah, of those being led away to Babylon.
Behold, I have loosed you from the handcuffs that were on your hands. If it is good in your sight to come with me to Babylon, come, and I will set my eyes upon you.
But if not, run off and return to Godolias son of Achikam son of Saphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed in the land of Judah, and dwell with him in the midst of the people in the land of Judah; or to whatever is good in your eyes to go, go. And the chief cook gave him gifts and sent him away.
And all the commanders of the force that was in the field heard, they and their men, that the king of Babylon had appointed Godolias in the land, and had entrusted to him men and their women whom he had not deported to Babylon.
And there came to Godolias at Massepha: Ismael son of Nathanias, and Ioanan son of Karee, and Saraias son of Thanaemeth, and the sons of Ophe the Netophathite, and Iezonias son of the Mochathite — they and their men.
And Godolias swore to them and to their men, saying: Do not fear before the face of the servants of the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be better for you.
And behold, I dwell before you at Massepha, to stand before the face of the Chaldeans who may come against you. But as for you, gather wine and summer fruit, and gather oil, and put them into your vessels, and dwell in the cities which you have taken possession of.
And all the Judeans who were in the land of Moab and among the sons of Ammon and those in Idumea and those in all the land heard that the king of Babylon had given a remnant to Judah, and that he had appointed over them Godolias son of Achikam.
And they said to him: Do you indeed know that Belisa king of the sons of Ammon has sent Ismael to you to strike down your soul? But Godolias did not believe them.
And Ioanan said to Godolias secretly in Massepha: Let me go and strike down Ismael, and let no one know it — lest he strike down your soul, and all Judah who are gathered to you be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish.