Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.
Then came certain of the elders - persons holding that dignity among the exiles at the Chebar. Grotius refers this to Seraiah and those sent with him from Judea (Jeremiah 51:59). The prophet's reply, first, reflecting on the character of the inquirers, and, secondly, foretelling the calamities coming on Judea, may furnish an idea of the subject of their inquiry.
And sat before me - not at once able to find a beginning of their speech: indicative of anxiety and despondency.