Verses 1-22

Jeremiah's Message from God to Johanan

1. Jezaniah] the Azariah of Jeremiah 43:2 (and probably not the Jezaniah of Jeremiah 40:8).

7-22. The people are forbidden to go down to Egypt. Jeremiah had always denounced connexion with Egypt (Jeremiah 2:36; Jeremiah 37:7).

15. And now] RV 'now.'

20. Ye dissembled in your hearts] RV 'ye have dealt deceitfully against your own souls,'i.e. while persuading yourselves that you are prepared to accept God's decision, all the while nothing but your own way would content you.