Jer 39:11-12, 40:4-5 | JFB | STEP | 11. Jeremiah's prophecies were known to Nebuchadnezzar through deserters ( ), also through the Jews carried to Babylon with Jeconiah (compare ). Hence the king's kindness to him.

Jeremiah 39:11-12

11. Jeremiah's prophecies were known to Nebuchadnezzar through deserters (Jer 39:9; Jer 38:19), also through the Jews carried to Babylon with Jeconiah (compare Jer 40:2). Hence the king's kindness to him.

12. look well to him—Hebrew, "set thine eyes upon him"; provide for his well-being.

Jeremiah 40:4-5

4. look well unto thee—the very words of Nebuchadnezzar's charge (Jer 39:12).

all the land is before thee . . . seemeth good— (Ge 20:15, Margin). Jeremiah alone had the option given him of staying where he pleased, when all the rest were either carried off or forced to remain there.

5. while he was not yet gone back—parenthetical. When Jeremiah hesitated whether it would be best for him to go, Nebuzara-dan proceeded to say, "Go, then, to Gedaliah," (not as English Version, "Go back, also"), if thou preferrest (as Nebuzara-dan inferred from Jeremiah's hesitancy) to stop here rather than go with me.

victuals— (Isa 33:16).

reward—rather, "a present." This must have been a seasonable relief to the prophet, who probably lost his all in the siege.