Charles Ellicott Commentary Jeremiah 42:12

"And I will grant you mercy, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land." — Jeremiah 42:12 (ASV)

And cause you to return to your own land. — The words admit of two interpretations:

1. That they would be carried away to Babylon, as others had been, and would afterwards return to their own country.
2. That they (the remnant who had been allowed by Nebuzaradan to remain to till the soil) would at once be allowed to return, each man to his own field and vineyard.

The latter is clearly more in harmony with the prophet’s aim and temper, and it was probably his purpose to intercede with their conquerors to this effect. The thought of a far-off exile impending over them in the near future would hardly have induced them to remain where they were.