⁸ Do not be afraid^(A) of them, for I am with you^(B) and will rescue^(C) you,” declares the Lord.^(D)

¹² I gave the same message to Zedekiah king of Judah. I said, “Bow your neck under the yoke^(A) of the king of Babylon; serve him and his people, and you will live.^(B)

¹⁷ Do not listen^(A) to them. Serve the king of Babylon, and you will live.^(B) Why should this city become a ruin?

¹⁸ to escape the Babylonians.^[a] They were afraid^(A) of them because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah^(B) son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed as governor over the land.