By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan
Perhaps the brother of Ahikam, and of Jaazaniah, ( Jeremiah 26:24 ) ( Ezekiel 8:11 ) ; and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah;
to distinguish him from Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, ( 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: