Jeremiah 40:15

KJV

Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know [it]: wherefore should he slay thee, that all the Jews which are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant in Judah perish?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Johanan {H3110} the son {H1121} of Kareah {H7143} spake {H559} to Gedaliah {H1436} in Mizpah {H4709} secretly {H5643}, saying {H559}, Let me go {H3212}, I pray thee, and I will slay {H5221} Ishmael {H3458} the son {H1121} of Nethaniah {H5418}, and no man {H376} shall know {H3045} it: wherefore should he slay {H5221}{H5315} thee, that all the Jews {H3064} which are gathered {H6908} unto thee should be scattered {H6327}, and the remnant {H7611} in Judah {H3063} perish {H6}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yochanan the son of Kareach spoke privately with G'dalyahu in Mitzpah: "Please, let me go, and I will kill Yishma'el the son of N'tanyahu; no one will know. Why let him assassinate you? Moreover, if he does, all the Judeans gathered around you will scatter; and the remnant of Y'hudah will perish."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah. “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah,” he said. “No one will know it. Why should he take your life and scatter all the people of Judah who have gathered to you, so that the remnant of Judah would perish?”

American Standard Version

Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: wherefore should he take thy life, that all the Jews that are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 40:15 captures a critical, clandestine appeal from Johanan, son of Kareah, to Gedaliah, the newly appointed governor of Judah. In the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction and the Babylonian exile, Johanan urgently proposes the secret assassination of Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, to prevent a far greater catastrophe: the scattering of the fragile Jewish remnant gathered under Gedaliah's leadership and their ultimate perishing in Judah. This verse highlights the desperate measures contemplated to preserve the last vestiges of the covenant people in the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent deportation of many Jews to Babylon, as detailed in [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, appointed Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, as governor over the remaining poor in the land. Gedaliah established his administrative center in Mizpah and sought to bring stability, encouraging the people to settle and serve the king of Babylon for their own good, promising them peace and security as seen in [Jeremiah 40:9-10](/jeremiah/40-9 "Jeremiah 40:9-10 - Gedaliah's Promise of Peace"). Various Jewish military captains and their men, including Johanan, who had been scattered during the siege, heard of Gedaliah's appointment and gathered to him at Mizpah. However, a dangerous undercurrent existed: Ishmael, a man of royal descent, was secretly plotting against Gedaliah, likely at the instigation of Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, as revealed in [Jeremiah 40:14](/jeremiah/40-14 "Jeremiah 40:14 - Ishmael's Treachery Revealed"). Johanan, having received intelligence of this plot, takes the initiative in this verse to warn Gedaliah directly and propose a drastic solution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period following the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC was one of profound national trauma and uncertainty for the Jewish people. The Davidic monarchy had ended, the Temple was destroyed, and a significant portion of the population was exiled. Those left in Judah were a vulnerable remnant, struggling to rebuild amidst the ruins. Mizpah, a historically significant site, became the administrative center, symbolizing a fragile attempt at re-establishing some form of Jewish presence in the land. The political landscape was fraught with danger, with regional powers like Ammon seeking to exploit Judah's weakness. Internal strife, particularly among the surviving Jewish leaders, posed an equally grave threat. The concept of "secret" plots and assassinations was not uncommon in ancient Near Eastern politics, reflecting the ruthless nature of power struggles. Johanan's proposal, though extreme, was born out of a desperate desire to protect the vulnerable community from further calamity.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Central among these is the **preservation of the remnant**, a recurring motif highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant people even amidst severe judgment. Johanan's concern for "all the Jews which are gathered unto thee" and "the remnant in Judah" underscores the fragile hope for the continuation of the covenant line in the land. Another theme is **leadership and discernment**, as Gedaliah's trusting nature and failure to heed Johanan's urgent warning ultimately lead to tragic consequences, as detailed in [Jeremiah 41](/jeremiah/41 "Jeremiah 41 - Ishmael's Assassination of Gedaliah"). This highlights the immense responsibility and potential pitfalls of leadership in times of crisis. The theme of **treachery and internal strife** is also prominent, as Ishmael's malicious intent, fueled by ambition and external influence, threatens to undo the nascent stability. Finally, the verse speaks to **unheeded warnings** and their dire repercussions, a theme that echoes throughout Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, where the people repeatedly ignored God's warnings through His prophet, leading to the very destruction they now faced.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **secretly (Hebrew, _çêther'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to cover," denotes a hidden place, a covert, or something done in secret. Johanan's approach to Gedaliah was clandestine, emphasizing the sensitive and dangerous nature of his proposal. He understood that such a suggestion, involving the pre-emptive killing of a prominent figure, could not be openly discussed, highlighting the political delicacy and the urgency of the situation.
* **slay (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to strike," "to smite," or "to kill," often with violence. Johanan's direct proposal to "slay" Ishmael reveals the gravity of his perceived threat and the extreme measure he believed necessary to avert a greater disaster. The repetition of this verb ("I will slay... wherefore should he slay thee") underscores the life-and-death stakes involved.
* **remnant (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêrîyth'_):** This term refers to a remainder, a residual, or a surviving portion. In prophetic literature, "remnant" often carries profound theological significance, referring to the faithful few preserved by God amidst judgment, ensuring the continuity of His covenant people. Johanan's concern for the "remnant in Judah" highlights the precarious existence of this small group and the immense importance of their survival for the future of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying,"**: This clause sets the scene, identifying the key players and the location. Johanan, a military leader, approaches Gedaliah, the newly appointed governor, in a confidential manner. The secrecy underscores the gravity and controversial nature of the conversation that follows.
* **"Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah,"**: Johanan's direct and urgent plea. He requests permission and offers to personally eliminate Ishmael, revealing his conviction that Ishmael poses an immediate and existential threat. The phrase "I pray thee" conveys the earnestness of his appeal.
* **"and no man shall know [it]:"**: This part emphasizes the clandestine nature of the proposed act. Johanan intends for the assassination to be carried out discreetly, presumably to avoid further political upheaval or retribution from Ishmael's allies or the Babylonians, who had appointed Gedaliah.
* **"wherefore should he slay thee,"**: Johanan articulates the immediate danger to Gedaliah. He clearly states his belief that Ishmael intends to assassinate Gedaliah, demonstrating his foresight and understanding of Ishmael's malicious intentions.
* **"that all the Jews which are gathered unto thee should be scattered,"**: This clause reveals the broader, devastating consequence of Gedaliah's assassination. The fragile community that had begun to gather under Gedaliah's leadership would be dispersed once more, losing their nascent stability and protection.
* **"and the remnant in Judah perish?"**: This is the ultimate, most tragic outcome Johanan seeks to prevent. The perishing of the "remnant" would mean the complete eradication of the Jewish presence in the land, a catastrophic end to God's covenant people in Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Johanan's urgent warning about Ishmael's intent to "slay thee" directly anticipates the tragic events of [Jeremiah 41:2](/jeremiah/41-2 "Jeremiah 41:2 - Ishmael Murders Gedaliah"), where Ishmael indeed assassinates Gedaliah. This creates a sense of **dramatic irony** for the reader, who knows the eventual outcome of Gedaliah's unheeded warning. The passage also utilizes **contrast** between Johanan's clear-sighted, pragmatic, though extreme, assessment of the danger and Gedaliah's apparent naivete or trusting nature, which proves to be his fatal flaw. The language used by Johanan, particularly "I pray thee" and the dire consequences he outlines, conveys a strong sense of **plea** and **urgency**, emphasizing the high stakes involved in this pivotal moment for the surviving Jewish community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage underscores the profound theological theme of the preservation of the remnant, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament. Even in the midst of divine judgment and national catastrophe, God consistently preserves a faithful few, ensuring the continuity of His covenant promises. Johanan's desperate plea to protect the "remnant in Judah" reflects this divine concern, even if his proposed method is humanly conceived. The unheeded warning to Gedaliah serves as a tragic echo of Israel's consistent failure to heed God's warnings through His prophets, ultimately leading to their exile. It highlights the critical importance of discernment and wisdom in leadership, especially when facing threats that could jeopardize the very existence of God's people.

* [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Shall Return")
* [Zechariah 8:6](/zechariah/8-6 "Zechariah 8:6 - The Remnant's Hope")
* [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - Paul on the Remnant of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 40:15 challenges us to consider the weighty responsibility of leadership and the critical importance of discernment, particularly in times of vulnerability and crisis. Gedaliah's failure to believe Johanan's warning, perhaps out of a desire for peace or a reluctance to resort to violence, ultimately led to his own demise and the further scattering of the very people he sought to protect. This serves as a sober reminder that true wisdom involves not only good intentions but also a clear-eyed assessment of reality, including the potential for malice in others. For us today, it prompts reflection on how we respond to warnings, whether from trusted advisors, spiritual leaders, or even the subtle promptings of the Holy Spirit. Are we willing to confront uncomfortable truths or take difficult actions to protect what is precious, whether it be a community, a family, or our own spiritual well-being? The passage also highlights the ethical dilemmas that can arise when protecting a vulnerable group, forcing us to consider the balance between pacifism and necessary intervention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond to warnings, especially when they challenge my assumptions or preferences?**
* **What role does discernment play in my decision-making, both personally and in any leadership roles I hold?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to ignore difficult truths in favor of a more comfortable or naive perspective?**
* **How does this passage inform my understanding of protecting vulnerable communities or individuals?**

### FAQ
**Why did Johanan propose to slay Ishmael secretly, and not openly?**

Answer: Johanan's proposal to slay Ishmael "secretly" (Hebrew: _çêther'_) was likely motivated by several factors. Firstly, an open assassination could have provoked immediate retaliation from Ishmael's followers or the Ammonites, who were reportedly instigating Ishmael ([Jeremiah 40:14](/jeremiah/40-14 "Jeremiah 40:14 - Ishmael's Ammonite Connection")). Secondly, it might have been an attempt to avoid further destabilizing the already fragile political situation in Judah under Babylonian rule. The Babylonians had appointed Gedaliah, and any overt act of violence or internal strife could have led to harsher Babylonian intervention. A secret act would, in Johanan's mind, remove the threat without creating a larger public crisis or revealing the internal divisions that could be exploited by external enemies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 40:15 depicts a desperate human attempt to preserve a physical remnant through a morally ambiguous act, it ultimately points to the greater, divinely ordained preservation found in Christ. The "remnant in Judah" that Johanan sought to protect foreshadows the spiritual remnant, those whom God preserves through faith in His Son. Just as Johanan desired to prevent the scattering of the Jews, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, declares His mission to gather His sheep, stating, "[I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus Gives Eternal Life")" (John 10:28). The failure of human leaders like Gedaliah to discern and act decisively underscores the need for the perfect, discerning leadership of Christ, who "[knows what is in man](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knows All People")" (John 2:25) and cannot be deceived. Furthermore, the idea of one being slain to prevent the perishing of many, though tragically misapplied in this context, finds its ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in the voluntary sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") (John 1:29). Jesus, unlike Ishmael, was not a treacherous plotter but the willing sacrifice, whose death on the cross secured the eternal preservation and gathering of all who believe, forming the true, imperishable remnant of God's people, the Church, "[purchased with His own blood](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - The Church Purchased by Blood")" (Acts 20:28).

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

1 Samuel 26:8

Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not [smite] him the second time.

2 Samuel 21:17

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.

1 Samuel 24:4

And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.

Ezekiel 33:24

Son of man, they that inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel speak, saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: but we [are] many; the land is given us for inheritance.

Ezekiel 33:29

Then shall they know that I [am] the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed.

2 Samuel 18:3

But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now [thou art] worth ten thousand of us: therefore now [it is] better that thou succour us out of the city.

Jeremiah 42:2

And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, [even] for all this remnant; (for we are left [but] a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:)