Jeremiah 40:10

KJV

As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah to serve the Chaldeans, which will come unto us: but ye, gather ye wine, and summer fruits, and oil, and put [them] in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that ye have taken.

KJV (with Strong's)

As for me, behold, I will dwell {H3427} at Mizpah {H4709} to serve {H5975}{H6440} the Chaldeans {H3778}, which will come {H935} unto us: but ye, gather {H622} ye wine {H3196}, and summer fruits {H7019}, and oil {H8081}, and put {H7760} them in your vessels {H3627}, and dwell {H3427} in your cities {H5892} that ye have taken {H8610}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for me, I will live in Mitzpah and be responsible to the Kasdim who come to us. But you - harvest wine, summer fruits and olive oil; put them in your containers; and live in your cities that you have taken over."

Berean Standard Bible

As for me, I will stay in Mizpah to represent you before the Chaldeans who come to us. As for you, gather wine grapes, summer fruit, and oil, place them in your storage jars, and live in the cities you have taken.”

American Standard Version

As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah, to stand before the Chaldeans that shall come unto us: but ye, gather ye wine and summer fruits and oil, and put them in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that ye have taken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 40:10 captures a pivotal moment in Judah's post-exilic history, as Gedaliah, appointed governor by the Babylonians, issues instructions to the remaining Jewish population. Following the devastating fall of Jerusalem and the initial deportations, Gedaliah seeks to establish order and encourage a return to normalcy. He declares his intention to remain at Mizpah to facilitate relations with the Chaldeans, while simultaneously urging the people to gather the land's abundant produce—wine, summer fruits, and oil—and to resettle in their reclaimed cities, fostering a fragile hope for continuity and survival amidst the ruins of their nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 40 marks a significant transition in the book, moving from the prophecies of judgment and the account of Jerusalem's fall (Jeremiah 39) to the immediate aftermath and the fate of the remnant left in the land. Specifically, Jeremiah 40:1-6 details Jeremiah's release from captivity and his choice to remain with Gedaliah. Verses 7-9 introduce Gedaliah's appointment as governor and his initial assurances to the scattered Jewish military leaders and people who had fled. Jeremiah 40:10, therefore, serves as Gedaliah's practical directive, building upon his promise of peace and security, outlining the path forward for the survivors. This verse sets the stage for the brief, tragic period of Gedaliah's governorship, which is abruptly ended by assassination in [Jeremiah 41](/jeremiah/41 "Jeremiah 41 - The Assassination of Gedaliah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The year is 586 BC, immediately after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the exile of much of Judah's elite. Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, appointed Gedaliah, a trusted figure from a prominent family (son of Ahikam, who had protected Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 26:24](/jeremiah/26-24 "Jeremiah 26:24 - Ahikam Protects Jeremiah")), as governor over the remaining populace. This remnant consisted primarily of the poor, those who had surrendered, and scattered military personnel. Mizpah, a town north of Jerusalem, became the new administrative center, as Jerusalem lay in ruins. Gedaliah's role was to stabilize the region for Babylonian interests, ensuring tribute and preventing further rebellion. The land, though ravaged by war, was still agriculturally viable, and the collection of staple crops like wine, summer fruits, and oil was essential for the survival and re-establishment of any semblance of life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Remnant and Survival**, demonstrating God's preservation of a portion of His people even through severe judgment and exile. Despite national devastation, a community is called to rebuild and live. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Submission to Authority**, as Gedaliah's pragmatic acceptance of Babylonian rule aligns with Jeremiah's consistent prophetic message that submission to Babylon was God's will for the nation (e.g., [Jeremiah 27:8](/jeremiah/27-8 "Jeremiah 27:8 - Submission to Nebuchadnezzar")). Thirdly, the call to cultivate the land and gather its produce emphasizes **Hope and Practical Living** in the face of despair. It's an invitation to move beyond trauma, engage in productive labor, and find a measure of stability, even under foreign dominion, echoing the counsel given to exiles in [Jeremiah 29:5-7](/jeremiah/29-5 "Jeremiah 29:5-7 - Build Houses and Plant Gardens").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, this primitive root means "to sit down," but broadly implies "to dwell, to remain." In Gedaliah's declaration, "I will dwell at Mizpah," it signifies his intention to reside permanently and establish his administration there. For the people, "dwell in your cities" means to resettle, to inhabit, and to re-establish life in the places they had taken or reclaimed. It speaks to a commitment to stability and continuity in a time of profound disruption.
* **serve (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** From H5975, this root primarily means "to stand," but in various relations, including "to be employed" or "to serve." When Gedaliah states he will "serve the Chaldeans," it denotes his commitment to stand in their presence, to be at their disposal, and to carry out their directives as governor. This is a pragmatic acknowledgment of the new political reality and his role as an appointed official under Babylonian authority, not necessarily a willing allegiance but a necessary function to maintain order and peace for the remnant.
* **vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** From H3627, this term refers to "something prepared," encompassing any apparatus, implement, utensil, or vessel. In the context of "put them in your vessels," it refers to containers for storing the gathered agricultural produce (wine, summer fruits, and oil). This highlights the practical, domestic aspect of Gedaliah's instructions, emphasizing the need for proper storage and preservation of the harvest for sustenance and future use, signifying a return to basic economic and household functions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah to serve the Chaldeans, which will come unto us:"** This clause presents Gedaliah's personal commitment and strategy. He declares his intention to reside at Mizpah, establishing it as the administrative center for the remaining Jewish population. His purpose in dwelling there is explicitly "to serve the Chaldeans," signifying his acceptance of Babylonian authority and his role as their appointed governor. The phrase "which will come unto us" indicates an ongoing expectation of interaction and oversight from the Chaldean (Babylonian) overlords, underscoring the reality of their subjugated status.
* **"but ye, gather ye wine, and summer fruits, and oil, and put [them] in your vessels,"** This is Gedaliah's direct command to the people. The conjunction "but ye" contrasts their role with his. He instructs them to actively engage in agricultural labor: "gather ye wine, and summer fruits, and oil." These three items represent the staple agricultural products of the land, emphasizing a return to basic sustenance and economic activity. The command to "put [them] in your vessels" highlights the practical necessity of storing these provisions for future use, implying a long-term perspective on survival and stability.
* **"and dwell in your cities that ye have taken."** This final clause provides the directive for resettlement. The people are encouraged to "dwell" (reside, settle) in the "cities that ye have taken," which likely refers to towns and villages they had reoccupied or found refuge in after the initial scattering and destruction. This instruction reinforces the call to re-establish community life, cultivate the land, and build a fragile future within the remnants of their homeland, under the new political reality.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 40:10 employs **Direct Speech** to convey Gedaliah's authoritative instructions, lending immediacy and weight to his words. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** between Gedaliah's role ("As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah to serve the Chaldeans") and the people's responsibility ("but ye, gather ye wine... and dwell in your cities"), clearly delineating the division of labor and authority in the new order. Furthermore, the listing of "wine, and summer fruits, and oil" serves as **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, representing the entire agricultural bounty and the return to a productive, settled life. This specific enumeration of staple goods also functions as **Realism**, grounding the instructions in the practicalities of survival in an agrarian society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 40:10 offers a profound theological insight into God's providence and the nature of hope, even in the midst of national catastrophe. Despite the devastating judgment that had befallen Judah, God, through the pragmatic leadership of Gedaliah, provided a means for a remnant to survive and begin the process of rebuilding. This verse illustrates that divine judgment does not always equate to utter annihilation; rather, it can include provisions for a future, albeit one lived under new, challenging circumstances. The call to gather produce and resettle is an implicit invitation to trust in God's continued sustenance and to embrace responsible living, even when political autonomy has been lost. It speaks to the resilience of faith and the human spirit, guided by a divine hand that preserves a people for future purposes.

* [Jeremiah 29:5-7](/jeremiah/29-5 "Jeremiah 29:5-7 - Build Houses and Plant Gardens")
* [Lamentations 3:21-23](/lamentations/3-21 "Lamentations 3:21-23 - The Steadfast Love of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 1:9](/isaiah/1-9 "Isaiah 1:9 - A Small Remnant Survives")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 40:10 presents a powerful model for navigating times of profound disruption and loss. It reminds us that even when our world has been shattered, and familiar structures have collapsed, there is still a call to engage with life, to cultivate what remains, and to find a path forward under new realities. Gedaliah's directive is not a call to despair or inaction, but to pragmatic hope and diligent work. For us today, this translates into finding purpose and productivity even in challenging circumstances, whether personal, communal, or global. It encourages us to identify what resources (spiritual, relational, material) God has preserved for us and to steward them wisely, contributing to stability and well-being wherever we are placed. It also highlights the importance of leadership that prioritizes the practical needs and welfare of the people, fostering an environment where life can continue and even flourish, even if under duress.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when my "cities" (my plans, my security, my expectations) have been "taken" or shattered by unforeseen circumstances?**
* **What "wine, summer fruits, and oil" (resources, opportunities, relationships) has God preserved for me, even in times of loss, that I am called to "gather" and steward?**
* **In what ways am I called to "dwell" and "serve" in my current context, even if it involves submitting to realities I did not choose?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Mizpah becoming the administrative center?**

Answer: Mizpah (H4709, _Mitspâh_) was a strategically important town located north of Jerusalem, likely chosen by the Babylonians because Jerusalem was in ruins and Mizpah offered a defensible and accessible location. Its significance lay in its role as the temporary capital for the Jewish remnant left in Judah, serving as the seat of Gedaliah's governorship. This marked a symbolic shift of power and a new, albeit temporary, center for Jewish life in the land after the fall of Jerusalem, providing a place for the scattered people to gather and receive directives.

**Why did Gedaliah instruct the people to gather "wine, summer fruits, and oil"?**

Answer: Gedaliah's instruction to gather "wine (H3196, _yayin_), and summer fruits (H7019, _qayits_), and oil (H8081, _shemen_)" was a pragmatic command aimed at ensuring the survival and re-establishment of the community. These were the staple agricultural products of ancient Israel, essential for sustenance, trade, and daily life. By encouraging the people to collect and store these provisions in their "vessels (H3627, _kᵉlîy_)," Gedaliah was promoting self-sufficiency, economic stability, and a return to normal, productive living. It was a call to move beyond the trauma of war and engage in the practical work necessary for continuity in the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 40:10, though set in a moment of national devastation and political subjugation, subtly foreshadows the ultimate provision and hope found in Christ. Gedaliah's role as a governor appointed by an external power, seeking to bring order and provide for a remnant, can be seen as a faint echo of God's sovereign plan for humanity. Just as Gedaliah instructed the people to "gather ye wine, and summer fruits, and oil" for their sustenance and to "dwell in your cities," Christ, the true King and ultimate Governor, calls His people to gather spiritual provisions and dwell in Him. He is the ultimate source of life and sustenance, the "bread of life" [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the "true vine" [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"), providing spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies. The fragile hope offered by Gedaliah in a devastated land finds its complete and enduring fulfillment in the new creation inaugurated by Christ's death and resurrection. Through His sacrifice, believers are enabled to "dwell" not merely in earthly cities, but in the spiritual "city of God" [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem") and to "serve" the Lord not out of pragmatic necessity, but out of grateful love and willing obedience, as citizens of His eternal kingdom [Revelation 22:3](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3 - His Servants Will Serve Him").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 40:12

Even all the Jews returned out of all places whither they were driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, unto Mizpah, and gathered wine and summer fruits very much.

Deuteronomy 1:38

[But] Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.

Jeremiah 35:19

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever.

2 Samuel 16:1

¶ And when David was a little past the top [of the hill], behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred [loaves] of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

Jeremiah 39:10

But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

Isaiah 16:9

Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.

Jeremiah 48:32

O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach [even] to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage.