And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.
Fear not - they were afraid that they should not obtain pardon from the Chaldeans for their acts. He therefore assured them of safety by an oath.
Serve - literally, to stand before (Jeremiah 40:10; Jeremiah 52:12, margin.) - i:e., to be at hand ready to execute the commands of the King of Babylon.