Jeremiah 40:16

But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.

But Gedaliah {H1436} the son {H1121} of Ahikam {H296} said {H559} unto Johanan {H3110} the son {H1121} of Kareah {H7143}, Thou shalt not do {H6213} this thing {H1697}: for thou speakest {H1696} falsely {H8267} of Ishmael {H3458}.

But G'dalyahu the son of Achikam said to Yochanan the son of Kareach, "Don't do it. What you are saying about Yishma'el is not true."

But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Do not do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie.”

But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing; for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.

Jeremiah 40:16 captures a crucial moment of misjudgment by Gedaliah, the newly appointed governor of Judah, which would have severe consequences for the remnant of the Jewish people after the fall of Jerusalem.

Context

Following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and the exile of many Jews, King Nebuchadnezzar appointed Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, as governor over the remaining population in Judah. Gedaliah's aim was to encourage stability and peaceful coexistence under Babylonian rule. In the verses immediately preceding this, Johanan the son of Kareah, a military captain, urgently informed Gedaliah that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, a man of royal descent, was plotting to assassinate him at the behest of Baalis, the king of the Ammonites. Johanan even offered to preemptively kill Ishmael to avert this disaster. However, in Jeremiah 40:16, Gedaliah vehemently rejects Johanan's warning, stating, "Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael." This dismissal, stemming perhaps from naivete, a desire for peace, or a reluctance to believe such treachery, tragically sets the stage for the unfolding of Ishmael's plot.

Key Themes

  • The Danger of Naivete: Gedaliah's refusal to believe the clear warning about Ishmael's conspiracy highlights the peril of naivete in leadership. His trust, though potentially well-intentioned, became a fatal vulnerability.
  • Ignoring Truthful Warnings: This verse powerfully illustrates the severe repercussions of dismissing genuine warnings, especially those concerning imminent threats to peace and life. The subsequent events, detailed in Jeremiah chapter 41, tragically confirm the accuracy of Johanan's words.
  • Trust and Betrayal: The passage underscores the complex interplay of trust, suspicion, and betrayal within a community already devastated by national catastrophe. Gedaliah extends trust, while Ishmael secretly harbors murderous intentions.
  • Leadership Discernment: It serves as a stark lesson on the critical importance of discernment for those in positions of authority, particularly during times of crisis, to accurately distinguish between truth and falsehood and to act decisively when danger is present.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "falsely" is sheqer (שֶׁקֶר), which carries the strong meaning of "lie, falsehood, or deception." Gedaliah's declaration that Johanan is speaking sheqer against Ishmael reveals his absolute conviction that the accusation is a fabrication. This was not mere doubt but a firm belief that Johanan was actively lying. This profound misjudgment of the situation and of Ishmael's true character ultimately led to Gedaliah's assassination and further suffering for the remaining Jewish community.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 40:16 offers timeless insights into the necessity of wisdom and discernment in life. For individuals, it teaches the importance of carefully evaluating warnings and information, especially when potential harm or deception is involved. For leaders, it emphasizes the grave responsibility of being discerning, ensuring that personal biases or a desire for an easy peace do not override crucial warnings. Sometimes, accepting a difficult truth and acting upon it, even if it means confronting unpleasant realities, is essential to prevent greater harm. This narrative reminds us that while trust is valuable, it must be balanced with keen discernment to protect oneself and those under one's care, echoing the wisdom found in Proverbs 27:12, which advises the prudent to foresee evil and hide themselves.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 3:8

    And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

  • Jeremiah 41:2

    Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.

  • Matthew 10:16

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • Matthew 10:17

    But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

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