Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 21:8

"And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith Jehovah: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death." — Jeremiah 21:8 (ASV)

Compare the marginal reference; but here the alternative is a life saved by desertion to the enemy, or a death by famine, pestilence, and the sword within the walls.