The queen mother - see Melachim II 24:15. (Metzudat David)

The officers of Yehudah and Jerusalem. (Metzudat David)

The craftsmen and sentries that were exiled. (Metzudat David)

Yirmiyahu sent the book with the king's officers who were going to Babylon. (Metzudat David)

The rest of the chapter consists of the contents of this scroll. (Metzudat David)

This command, to build houses, is in view of the fact that they will not be leaving Babylon in the near future. (Metzudat David)

They should give birth to children while still in Babylon. (Metzudat David)

The people should not have the illusion that their children will be able to return to the land of Israel and marry there. (Malbim)

Since the people in the land of Israel will be killed, the people in Babylon should not send their daughters there to get married. (Malbim)

They should seek the peace of the city, and pray for it. (Metzudat David)

The teacher should have the students copy the mishnah in Pirkei Avot 3:2, which is based on the idea expressed in this verse.

The Jews living in the city will live a tranquil life when the city itself has peace. (Metzudat David)

The people should not be enticed by the words of the false prophets, that the people will be returned to the land of Israel very soon. (Metzudat David)

If these people in Babylon would not listen to the dreamers, those prophets would stop fabricating their dreams. Since, then, it is the people themselves who are causing these prophets to dream, it is as if the dreams are theirs. (Radak)

The count of seventy years began when Yehoyakim was taken captive. Yehoyakim was captured during the second year of Nebuchadnezzar's rule. After this event, Nebuchadnezzar ruled 44 more years. His son, Evil-Merodach, ruled 23 years, although the first year was counted as part of his father's rule. His son Belshazzar ruled for 3 years, and then Darius ruled for one year. Upon the death of Darius, Cyrus made the proclamation allowing the Jews to return to the land of Israel. (Metzudat David)

The students should read Ezra 1:1-8, the fulfillment of this prophecy.

Only then will the people be redeemed, and not before that time. This prophecy is in contradiction to the words of the false prophets. (Metzudat David)

That the Jews should remain in exile for this length of time is for their own benefit. During this time they will begin to do teshuvah, and that will make them worthy of Hashem's blessing. (Metzudat David)

The prerequisite for finding Hashem is searching Him out with one's whole heart. (Metzudat David)

Hashem will respond to their request, and restore their government. (Metzudat David)

The purpose of the exile is to sensitize them to serving Hashem. Therefore, when they will return to Israel they will be able to serve Him from a more elevated status, and that will lead to the final and ultimate redemption. (Metzudat David)