6 A copy of a letter that Yirmiyah (Jeremiah) sent to those who were to be led captives into Bavel (Babylon) by the king of the Babylonians, to give them the message that God commanded him.

2 Because of the sins which you have committed before God, you will be led away captives to Bavel by Nevukadnetsar (Nebuchadnezzar) king of the Babylonians. 3 So when you come to Bavel, you will remain there many years, and for a long season, even for seven generations. After that, I will bring you out peacefully from there. 4 But now you will see in Bavel gods of silver, gold, wood carried on shoulders, which cause the nations to fear. 5 Beware therefore that you in no way become like these foreigners. Don’t let fear take hold of you because of them when you see the multitude before them and behind them, worshipping them. 6 But say in your hearts, “O master, we must worship you.” 7 Because my angel is with you, and I myself care for your souls.