8. Then he called Johanan, son of Kareah, his army leaders, and all the people, from the least to the greatest,
9. and said to them: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to offer your petition:
10. If indeed you will remain in this land, I will build you up, and not tear you down; I will plant you, not uproot you; for I repent of the evil I have done you.
11. Do not fear the king of Babylon, as you do now. Do not fear him—oracle of the Lord—for I am with you to save you, to rescue you from his power.
12. I will take pity on you, so that he will have pity on you and let you return to your land.