I will deliver them into the hand of: See 29.21.

Those who seek their life (see 11.21); that is, Nebuchadnezzar and his army officers.

Afterward Egypt shall be inhabited as in the days of old: A promise follows the threat. Revised English Bible makes the transition well with “yet after this…,” as does New International Version “Later, however….” Contemporary English Version begins this sentence with “But I also promise….” Egypt shall be inhabited may need to be expressed as “people will live in Egypt [again].”

Says the LORD: See 1.8.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Jeremiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2003. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .