Jeremiah 40:5

Now while he was not yet gone back, [he said], Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.

Now while he was not yet gone back {H7725}, he said, Go back {H7725} also to Gedaliah {H1436} the son {H1121} of Ahikam {H296} the son {H1121} of Shaphan {H8227}, whom the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} hath made governor {H6485} over the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, and dwell {H3427} with him among {H8432} the people {H5971}: or go {H3212} wheresoever it seemeth convenient {H3477}{H5869} unto thee to go {H3212}. So the captain {H7227} of the guard {H2876} gave {H5414} him victuals {H737} and a reward {H4864}, and let him go {H7971}.

Before Yirmeyahu could answer, [N'vuzar'adan said,] "Go back then to G'dalyahu the son of Achikam, the son of Shafan, whom the king of Bavel has made governor over the cities of Y'hudah, and live with him among the people; or go wherever it seems right for you to go." The commander of the guard gave him provisions and a gift, and dismissed him.

But before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, “Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people, or go anywhere else that seems right.” Then the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him.

Now while he was not yet gone back, Go back then, said he, to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wheresoever it seemeth right unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a present, and let him go.

Jeremiah 40:5 marks a pivotal moment for the prophet Jeremiah following the devastating fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. This verse details the instructions given to Jeremiah by Nebuzaradan, the captain of Nebuchadnezzar's guard, offering him a significant choice regarding his future.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set immediately after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a cataclysmic event for the kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah, who had prophesied this very judgment for decades, was initially bound in chains with other captives but was then singled out for special treatment due to King Nebuchadnezzar's specific command concerning him (Jeremiah 39:11-12). Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian commander, is shown here acting on those orders, demonstrating surprising leniency and respect towards the prophet.

The central figure Jeremiah is advised to join is Gedaliah the son of Ahikam. Gedaliah was appointed by the king of Babylon as governor over the remnant of Judah who were left behind. His lineage is important: his father, Ahikam, had previously protected Jeremiah from assassination attempts (Jeremiah 26:24), and his grandfather, Shaphan, was a trusted scribe during King Josiah's reign, instrumental in the rediscovery of the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:8-10). This background likely made Gedaliah a palatable choice for both the Babylonians (given his family's pragmatic stance) and a segment of the remaining Jewish population.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Protection: Despite the overwhelming national catastrophe, God ensures the safety and well-being of His faithful prophet. Jeremiah, who faced persecution from his own people, now receives preferential treatment from the conquering enemy. This highlights God's sovereignty even in the midst of judgment.
  • Freedom of Choice: Jeremiah is not forced into a specific path. Nebuzaradan offers him a clear option to stay with Gedaliah and rebuild, or to go "wheresoeveer it seemeth convenient unto thee to go." This autonomy is a remarkable concession from a victorious conqueror.
  • Compassion from Unexpected Sources: The captain of the guard not only releases Jeremiah but also provides him with "victuals and a reward." This act of kindness from a foreign military leader contrasts sharply with the harsh treatment Jeremiah often received from his own countrymen.
  • Establishment of New Leadership: The appointment of Gedaliah signifies Babylon's attempt to establish a new, albeit subdued, administrative structure for the remaining Jewish population in Judah. This marks the beginning of a challenging period of recovery and adaptation for those left behind.

Linguistic Insights

The term "victuals" refers simply to provisions or food, emphasizing the practical care given to Jeremiah. The "reward" (Hebrew: מַשְׂאֵת, mas'et) can mean a gift, present, or portion. In this context, it signifies a provision or allowance given out of favor, not necessarily as payment for work. It underscores the benevolent attitude of Nebuzaradan towards Jeremiah, ensuring he had the means to sustain himself.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 40:5 offers several points for reflection:

  1. God's Faithfulness Amidst Chaos: Even when life seems to crumble around us, this verse reminds us that God's care for His servants remains steadfast. He can provide for us through unexpected means and people.
  2. The Value of Integrity: Jeremiah's consistent and difficult prophetic ministry, though often rejected, ultimately earned him respect even from his enemies. Living a life of integrity, even when unpopular, can lead to unexpected favor.
  3. Navigating Difficult Choices: Jeremiah was given a significant choice in a time of great upheaval. We too face choices, sometimes under challenging circumstances, and this verse encourages us to trust in divine guidance as we make them.
  4. Responding to Kindness: The kindness shown to Jeremiah by Nebuzaradan, an enemy, is a powerful example. It reminds us to be open to and appreciate kindness, regardless of its source, and to extend it to others.

This verse sets the stage for the short, tragic period of Gedaliah's governorship, which ultimately ended in his assassination (Jeremiah 41:1-2), further complicating the lives of the Jewish remnant.

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.

  • Jeremiah 39:14

    Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people.

  • 2 Kings 8:7

    ¶ And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither.

  • 2 Kings 8:9

    So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 13:6

    So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

  • Nehemiah 1:11

    O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

  • 2 Kings 25:22

    ¶ And [as for] the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.

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