The battle rages on, and Jeremiah informs King Zedekiah that although the city will fall, he will not be executed by Nebuchadnezzar. He will die in exile peacefully and receive honors befitting a king. Zedekiah declares freedom to all enslaved Judeans, and the people willingly comply. God sees this righteous act, and the Babylonians retreat. The moment there is a reprieve, the wealthy slaveowners recapture and reenslave their poor brethren. God is infuriated that the people have shown their true selfish character. The Babylonian siege will come back in full force, and now the city is doomed.