John Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 29:3

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, etc.] Perhaps the brother of Ahikam, and of Jaazaniah, (<242624>Jeremiah 26:24 <260811>Ezekiel 8:11); and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah; to distinguish him from Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, (<243610>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:

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