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Commentary on Jeremiah 40 verses 1–6
The title of this part of the book, which begins the chapter, seems misapplied (The word which came to Jeremiah), for here is nothing of prophecy in this chapter, but it is to be referred to Jer 42:7, where we have a message that God sent by Jeremiah to the captains and the people that remained. The story between is only to introduce that prophecy and show the occasion of it, that it may be the better understood, and Jeremiah, being himself concerned in the story, was the better able to give an account of it.
In these verses we have Jeremiah's adhering, by the advice of Nebuzar-adan, to Gedaliah. It should seem that Jeremiah was very honourably fetched out of the court of the prison by the king of Babylon's princes (Jer 39:13, Jer 39:14), but afterwards, being found among the people in the city, when orders were given to the inferior officers to bind all they found that were of any fashion, in order to their being carried captives to Babylon, he, through ignorance and mistake, was bound among the rest and hurried away. Poor man! he seems to have been born to hardship and abuse - man of sorrows indeed! But when the captives were brought manacled to Ramah, not far off, where a council of war, or court-martial, was held for giving orders concerning them, Jeremiah was soon distinguished from the rest, and, by special order of the court, was discharged. 1. The captain of the guard solemnly owns him to be a true prophet (Jer 40:2, Jer 40:3): "The Lord thy God, whose messenger thou has been and in whose name thou hast spoken, has by thee pronounced this evil upon this place; they had fair warning given them of it, but they would not take the warning, and now the Lord hath brought it, and, as by thy mouth he said it, so by my hand he hath done what he said." He seems thus to justify what he had done, and to glory in it, that he had been God's instrument to fulfil that which Jeremiah had been his messenger to foretell; and upon that account it was indeed the most glorious action he had ever done. He tells all the people that were now in chains before him It is because you have sinned against the Lord that this thing has come upon you. The princes of Israel would never be brought to acknowledge this, though it was as evident as if it had been written with a sun-beam; but this heathen prince plainly sees it, that a people that had been so favoured as they had been by the divine goodness would never have been abandoned thus had they not been very provoking. The people of Israel had been often told this from the pulpit by their prophets, and they would not regard it; now they are told it from the bench by the conqueror, whom they dare not contradict and who will make them regard it. Note, Sooner or later men shall be made sensible that their sin is the cause of all their miseries. 2. He gives him free leave to dispose of himself as he thought fit. he loosed him from his chains a second time (Jer 40:4), invited him to come along with him to Babylon, not as a captive, but as a friend, as a companion; and I will set my eye upon thee (so the word is), not only, "I will look well to thee," but "I will show thee respect, will countenance thee, and will see that thou be safe and well provided for." If he was not disposed to go to Babylon, he might dwell where he pleased in his own country, for it was all now at the disposal of the conquerors. He may go to Anathoth if he please, and enjoy the field he has purchased there. A great change with this good man! He that but lately was tossed from one prison to another may now walk at liberty from one possession to another. 3. He advised him to go to Gedaliah and settle with him. This Gedaliah, made governor of the land under the king of Babylon, was an honest Jew, who (it is probably) betimes went over with his friends to the Chaldeans, and approved himself so well that he had this great trust put into his hands, Jer 40:5. While Jeremiah had not yet gone back, but stood considering what he should do, Nebuzar-adan, perceiving him neither inclined to go to Babylon nor determined whither to go, turned the scale for him, and bade him by all means go to Gedaliah. Sudden thoughts sometimes prove wise ones. But when he gave this counsel he did not design to bind him by it, nor will he take ill if he do not follow it: Go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee. It is friendly in such cases to give advice, but unfriendly to prescribe and to be angry if our advice be not take. Let Jeremiah steer what course he pleases, Nebuzar-adan will agree to it, and believe he does for the best. Nor does he only give him his liberty, and an approbation of the measures he shall take, but provides for his support: He gave him victuals and a present, either in clothes or money, and so let him go. See how considerate the captain of the guard was in his kindness to Jeremiah. He set him at liberty, but it was in a country that was laid waste, and in which, as the posture of it now was, he might have perished, though it was his own country, if he had not been thus kindly furnished with necessaries. Jeremiah not only accepted his kindness, but took his advice, and went to Gedaliah, to Mizpah, and dwelt with him, Jer 40:6. Whether we may herein commend his prudence I know not; the event does not commend it, for it did not prove at all to his comfort. However, we may commend his pious affection to the land of Israel, that unless he were forced out of it, as Ezekiel, and Daniel, and other good men were, he would not forsake it, but chose rather to dwell with the poor in the holy land than with princes in an unholy one.
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SUMMARY
Jeremiah 40:6 records the pivotal decision of the prophet Jeremiah to remain in the devastated land of Judah following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and the initial deportation of its inhabitants. Having been granted freedom and a choice by Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian captain of the guard, Jeremiah deliberately chose to forgo the security offered in Babylon and instead cast his lot with Gedaliah, the newly appointed governor, and the impoverished Jewish remnant who were left behind in Mizpah, demonstrating profound solidarity and continued commitment to his prophetic calling amidst national ruin.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. Conciseness is evident in the straightforward reporting of Jeremiah's actions, yet these actions carry immense weight and significance, speaking volumes about his character and calling. There is a subtle Contrast between the prophet's unique freedom and the widespread captivity and devastation experienced by his people, highlighting the divine protection he received even amidst judgment. The choice of Mizpah as the new administrative center carries rich Symbolism; historically a place of national gatherings, covenants, and judicial events (e.g., Judges 20:1, 1 Samuel 7:5-6), it now becomes the somber site for the last vestiges of Jewish self-governance before further dispersion, a poignant reminder of past glory and present desolation. Jeremiah's decision to "dwell with him among the people" exemplifies Solidarity, a powerful demonstration of his identification with the suffering remnant rather than seeking personal advantage, which functions almost as a Metaphor for his entire prophetic ministry—being inextricably linked to the fate of his people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 40:6 is a profound testament to the prophet's unwavering faithfulness and God's continued, albeit mysterious, work amidst national catastrophe. It underscores the biblical principle that even in the wake of severe judgment, God preserves a remnant, a core group through whom His covenant promises will eventually be fulfilled. Jeremiah's choice to remain with this vulnerable remnant, rather than seeking comfort or safety elsewhere, reflects a deep theological conviction that God is still present with His people, even in their brokenness, and that His prophetic word continues to be relevant and necessary for their survival and future hope. This act of solidarity is a powerful demonstration of prophetic embodiment, where the prophet's life becomes a living sermon, mirroring God's own enduring commitment to His covenant people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's decision to dwell with Gedaliah and the remaining people at Mizpah offers a powerful and enduring lesson in compassionate solidarity and vocational faithfulness. In a moment of profound national collapse, when personal safety and comfort might have been prioritized, Jeremiah chose to remain with the most vulnerable and marginalized. This challenges believers today to consider where God is calling them to serve, especially in difficult, overlooked, or seemingly hopeless circumstances. True faithfulness to God's call often means choosing the path of humility, self-sacrifice, and service to those who are suffering, rather than seeking personal gain, recognition, or an easier path. Even in times of great loss, devastation, or societal brokenness, this verse reminds us that God always preserves a remnant and provides opportunities for new beginnings and continued ministry. We are encouraged to find our place of service within the community God has called us to, trusting in His ongoing providence and care for His people, and embodying Christ's love for the broken.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jeremiah choose to stay in Judah instead of going to Babylon?
Answer: Jeremiah's choice to remain in Judah, as detailed in Jeremiah 40:6, was a profound act of faithfulness to his prophetic calling and solidarity with his people. The Babylonian captain, Nebuzaradan, offered Jeremiah the choice to go to Babylon under royal protection, recognizing his consistent prophecies of Babylonian victory and his advice for Judah to surrender (see Jeremiah 40:4). However, Jeremiah chose to stay with the "people that were left in the land," the poorest and most vulnerable Jewish remnant. This decision allowed him to continue his prophetic ministry among those who remained, offering guidance and a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation. It underscored his deep commitment to his homeland and his covenant people, even in their brokenness, rather than seeking personal security or comfort in a foreign land.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's choice in Jeremiah 40:6 to remain with the vulnerable remnant in the devastated land finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah chose solidarity with the broken people of Judah, Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God, did not cling to heavenly glory but "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7). He deliberately entered into the brokenness of humanity, dwelling "among us" (John 1:14), identifying with the marginalized, the sick, the poor, and the sinful. While Jeremiah stayed with a physical remnant, Jesus came to gather and save the spiritual remnant—those who would believe in Him from all nations. His ministry was not one of escape from suffering, but of embracing it, culminating in His ultimate act of solidarity on the cross, where He bore the sins of the world (John 1:29). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the true "Mizpah," the watchtower and gathering place, where all who are "left" (i.e., saved by grace) are gathered into His new covenant community, the Church, providing true hope and a secure dwelling place that transcends any earthly devastation (Ephesians 2:19-22).