They asked Yirmiyahu to pray to Hashem for them. (Metzudat David)

2.* They had already decided to go down to Egypt, and they wanted to know which route would be best. (Malbim)

1. This is a repeat of the previous phrase. (Metzudat David)

The teacher should note that in biblical commentary, the Metzudat David often sees two parts of a verse as repetitions of the same idea. The Malbim, on the other hand, will usually explain the two parts as expressing two different ideas.

Yirmiyahu acknowledges hearing their request, and will pray to Hashem. (Metzudat David)

The officers and the people responded to the words of Yirmiyahu. (Metzudat David)

Hashem will serve as a witness that they are prepared to do whatever Hashem tells them. Hashem will also be sure to punish them if they do not acquiesce completely to His directive. (Metzudat David)

They realized that heeding the words of Hashem would be good for them. (Metzudat David)

They will multiply in the land, and will not be exiled from it. (Metzudat David)

They were afraid that the Babylonians would punish them for the murder of Gedaliah. (Metzudat David)

They need not have any fear in this matter, since Nebuchadnezzar will not seek revenge. (Metzudat David)

Hashem will ensure that the Jews will be treated with mercy. (Metzudat David)

The exiled Jews will return back to their land on their own. (Metzudat David)

2.* Most lands, except for Egypt, were at war with Babylon. (Malbim)

At that time, shofars were blown during a war. (Metzudat David)

In the years before, the people had experienced much famine. (Metzudat David)

They felt secure that they would not be expelled from Egypt. (Metzudat David)

If you consciously and willingly intend to go to Egypt. (Metzudat David)

If you do actually go there. (Metzudat David)

You will die there from hunger and from the sword. (Metzudat David)

In the calamity that will result, no one will survive. (Metzudat David)

People will say, as part of an oath, that if they do certain things, they will be like the Jews who had gone down to Egypt. (Metzudat David)

People will curse others that they should be cursed as this group of people. (Metzudat David)

Yirmiyahu repeated himself, reinforcing his warning against going down to Egypt. (Metzudat David)

When the evil befalls the people, Yirmiyahu wants them to remember that he had warned them beforehand. (Metzudat David)

They had made a terrible mistake in asking Yirmiyahu to inquire of Hashem. Now the people will be ignoring the word of Hashem knowingly. If they had not asked, they would have been going against His will unintentionally - beshogeg. (Metzudat David)