16. I was put in an underground cell and kept there a long time.
17. Later on King Zedekiah sent for me, and there in the palace he asked me privately, “Is there any message from the Lord?”“There is,” I answered, and added, “You will be handed over to the king of Babylonia.”
18. Then I asked, “What crime have I committed against you or your officials or this people, to make you put me in prison?
19. What happened to your prophets who told you that the king of Babylonia would not attack you or the country?
20. And now, Your Majesty, I beg you to listen to me and do what I ask. Please do not send me back to the prison in Jonathan's house. If you do, I will surely die there.”