Even they sent and took Jeremiah out of the court of the
prison
Where he was, when Jerusalem was taken, ( Jeremiah 38:28 ) ; and where he remained until this order came: and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan;
the father of this person seems to be the same who saved Jeremiah from being delivered into the hand of the people, to be put to death by them, in Jehoiakim's reign, ( Jeremiah 26:24 ) ; and he himself was doubtless a prince of Judah, that deserted to the Chaldeans during the siege, and was in esteem with them, and appointed a governor over those that were left in the land: now what is here recorded was not done immediately after Jeremiah was taken out of the court of the prison; for however it was, whether through the multiplicity of business, or the neglect of inferior officers, who did not attend to the charge the captain of the guard gave them concerning Jeremiah; though he was taken out of prison, he was bound in chains, and carried among the captives to Ramah; where, very probably, Nebuzaradan, looking over his prisoners, to his great surprise finds the prophet among them; when he released him, and, after some discourse with him, sent him to Gedaliah; see ( Jeremiah 40:1-5 ) ; that he should carry him home;
or, "to the house" F15; either to the house of Gedaliah, as Kimchi; or rather to the house of Jeremiah in Anathoth: so he dwelt among the people;
that were left in the land, being at full liberty.