Jeremiah 40:8

KJV

Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then they came {H935} to Gedaliah {H1436} to Mizpah {H4708}, even Ishmael {H3458} the son {H1121} of Nethaniah {H5418}, and Johanan {H3110} and Jonathan {H3129} the sons {H1121} of Kareah {H7143}, and Seraiah {H8304} the son {H1121} of Tanhumeth {H8576}, and the sons {H1121} of Ephai {H5778} the Netophathite {H5200}, and Jezaniah {H3153} the son {H1121} of a Maachathite {H4602}, they and their men {H582}.

Complete Jewish Bible

they approached G'dalyahu in Mitzpah - in particular, Yishma'el the son of N'tanyahu, Yochanan and Yonatan the sons of Kareach, S'rayah the son of Tanchumet, the sons of 'Efai the N'tofati and Y'zanyahu the son of the Ma'akhati, they and their men.

Berean Standard Bible

they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah son of the Maacathite—they and their men.

American Standard Version

then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, to wit, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of the Maacathite, they and their men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 40:8 records the crucial assembly of various Judean military captains and their contingents at Mizpah, where they presented themselves to Gedaliah, the newly appointed Babylonian governor over the remnant of Judah. This gathering signifies a pivotal, yet ultimately fragile, attempt to re-establish order and leadership among the survivors in the aftermath of Jerusalem's devastating fall, highlighting both the immediate need for governance and the complex loyalties at play in a conquered land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Jerusalem's destruction and the appointment of Gedaliah by Nebuchadnezzar as governor over the remaining poor people in Judah, as detailed in [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem") and [Jeremiah 40:1-7](/jeremiah/40-1 "Jeremiah 40:1-7 - Jeremiah's Release and Gedaliah's Appointment"). Jeremiah himself has been released from chains and given the option to go to Babylon or stay with Gedaliah, choosing the latter. Jeremiah 40:8 initiates the narrative of the post-exilic remnant's attempt to rebuild, setting the stage for the subsequent internal conflicts and ultimate dispersion that would plague Gedaliah's short-lived administration. It transitions the focus from the grand catastrophe of the nation's fall to the micro-level struggles of its survivors, highlighting the initial, albeit temporary, consolidation of power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, this period is immediately after the final Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, which marked the end of the Kingdom of Judah and the beginning of the Babylonian exile for many of its inhabitants. Nebuchadnezzar's policy was to remove the elite and skilled, leaving behind the poorest to manage the land. Gedaliah, a Judean nobleman from a family known to be sympathetic to Jeremiah and perhaps to Babylonian rule, was appointed to govern this remnant. Mizpah, a significant historical and religious site (e.g., [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - The Gathering at Mizpah")), became the administrative center, likely chosen for its strategic location and lack of the painful associations of destroyed Jerusalem. The arrival of these military captains, who had likely scattered during the siege, reflects a common pattern in ancient Near Eastern conquest where local leadership, often with mixed loyalties, would emerge or be appointed to maintain order under imperial oversight.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of the **remnant**, a small portion of Israel preserved by God, even in judgment. The gathering at Mizpah represents this fragile continuation of God's people in the land, despite the devastating fulfillment of prophetic warnings (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Exile Foretold")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **leadership in crisis**, as Gedaliah attempts to govern a traumatized population under foreign dominion, a task fraught with immense challenges and internal treachery. The subsequent events (e.g., [Jeremiah 41](/jeremiah/41 "Jeremiah 41 - Ishmael's Treachery")) reveal the profound difficulties of establishing peace and obedience to God's will in the face of human sin and political instability. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **human agency and responsibility** within divine judgment, as the choices made by these leaders—some for order, others for chaos—directly impact the fate of the remaining community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Hebrew, _bôw'_):** This verb signifies "to go or come," but in this context, it carries the weight of a deliberate act of assembly or submission. It implies a conscious decision by these scattered military leaders to present themselves to Gedaliah, signaling an initial recognition of his authority and a desire to consolidate forces under the new, albeit imposed, order.
* **Gedaliah (Hebrew, _Gᵉdalyâh'_):** Derived from "Jah has become great," this name is significant. Gedaliah was the son of Ahikam, a man who had previously protected Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 26:24](/jeremiah/26-24 "Jeremiah 26:24 - Ahikam Protects Jeremiah")). His appointment by Babylon was likely seen as an attempt to establish a sympathetic, yet controlled, local administration. His name, "Jah has become great," stands in poignant contrast to the tragic end of his rule, highlighting the ultimate sovereignty of God even amidst human failure.
* **Ishmael (Hebrew, _Yishmâʻêʼl'_):** Meaning "God will hear," this name is ironically juxtaposed with the character's actions. Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, appears here as one of the leaders coming to Gedaliah, but he later becomes the primary antagonist, betraying and assassinating Gedaliah ([Jeremiah 41:2](/jeremiah/41-2 "Jeremiah 41:2 - Ishmael Murders Gedaliah")). His presence from the outset subtly introduces a note of impending treachery and the internal threats that would undermine the fragile peace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah":** This initial clause establishes the central action and location. "They" refers to the various military captains and their men, indicating a deliberate movement towards the newly established administrative center under Gedaliah's authority. This signifies an initial, hopeful attempt to consolidate power and establish order in the devastated land.
* **"even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of a Maachathite":** This lengthy list provides a detailed roster of the key military leaders who gathered. Each name represents a faction or family group, underscoring the fragmented nature of the surviving Judean leadership. The inclusion of Ishmael, who would later prove treacherous, creates dramatic irony for the reader, foreshadowing the internal conflict that will soon erupt.
* **"they and their men":** This concluding phrase emphasizes that these were not just individuals but leaders accompanied by their respective contingents, signifying a substantial consolidation of military and social power around Gedaliah. It highlights the scale of the attempt to re-establish a functioning society and the inherent dangers of bringing together diverse groups, some with hidden agendas.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 40:8 primarily employs a literary device known as **Cataloging** or **Listing**, where a series of names or items are enumerated. This detailed roster of military leaders—Ishmael, Johanan, Jonathan, Seraiah, the sons of Ephai, and Jezaniah—serves to establish the immediate cast of characters crucial to the unfolding narrative of the Judean remnant. The meticulous listing lends a sense of historical veracity and gravity to the moment, emphasizing the significance of this gathering. Furthermore, the inclusion of Ishmael's name within this list, given his subsequent betrayal and assassination of Gedaliah (as detailed in [Jeremiah 41](/jeremiah/41 "Jeremiah 41 - Ishmael's Treachery")), creates a powerful sense of **Dramatic Irony**. The reader, aware of future events, perceives the inherent danger and fragility of this assembly, even as the characters within the narrative are initially unaware of the impending treachery. This subtle foreshadowing heightens the tragic dimension of Gedaliah's brief and ill-fated governorship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a simple historical record of names, carries profound theological weight. It illustrates the immediate aftermath of divine judgment, where God, through Nebuchadnezzar, has brought about the prophesied destruction of Jerusalem and the exile. Yet, even in the midst of this devastation, God preserves a remnant in the land, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises, even if that remnant is small and vulnerable. The attempt to establish order under Gedaliah, though ultimately failed by human treachery, speaks to the enduring human need for leadership and community, and God's continued, albeit often hidden, work of preservation. It also foreshadows the internal struggles and spiritual blindness that would continue to plague Israel, even after experiencing such severe discipline.

* [2 Kings 25:22-26](/2_kings/25-22 "2 Kings 25:22-26 - Gedaliah Appointed Governor and His Assassination")
* [Jeremiah 41:1-3](/jeremiah/41-1 "Jeremiah 41:1-3 - Ishmael's Treachery Against Gedaliah")
* [Zechariah 8:12](/zechariah/8-12 "Zechariah 8:12 - Blessings for the Remnant in the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 40:8 serves as a poignant reminder that even in the wake of profound national or personal catastrophe, the human spirit often seeks to rebuild and find stability. The gathering at Mizpah, despite its tragic outcome, reflects an innate desire for order, community, and leadership. For us today, this passage encourages us to consider how we respond to moments of crisis and devastation, whether personal or communal. Do we seek to unite under wise and godly leadership, or do we allow internal divisions and hidden agendas to fester? The story of Gedaliah's short-lived administration is a cautionary tale about the fragility of peace when trust is broken and self-interest prevails over the common good. It challenges us to cultivate discernment, to be wary of those who appear to align but harbor destructive intentions, and to strive for genuine unity rooted in integrity and shared purpose, especially within the church or any community seeking to serve God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In times of crisis, what qualities do you look for in a leader, and why are these qualities essential for genuine restoration?**
* **How does the presence of both loyal and treacherous figures in this verse speak to the complexities of human relationships and the need for discernment within any community?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the failed attempt to rebuild in Judah about the importance of internal unity and spiritual integrity for any group seeking to honor God?**

### FAQ
**Who was Gedaliah and why was he appointed governor?**

Answer: Gedaliah was the son of Ahikam, a prominent Judean family. His grandfather, Shaphan, was a scribe under King Josiah, and his father, Ahikam, had previously protected the prophet Jeremiah from assassination ([Jeremiah 26:24](/jeremiah/26-24 "Jeremiah 26:24 - Ahikam Protects Jeremiah")). Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, appointed Gedaliah as governor over the remaining Jewish population in Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the elite. This appointment was likely a strategic move by Babylon to establish a local, sympathetic administration that could maintain order and collect tribute without needing a large occupying force, trusting in Gedaliah's family's perceived loyalty or pragmatism.

**What was the significance of Mizpah as the gathering place?**

Answer: Mizpah was a historically significant site in Israel, often serving as a place of assembly, worship, and national decision-making (e.g., [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - The Gathering of Israel at Mizpah"), [1 Samuel 7:5-6](/1_samuel/7-5 "1 Samuel 7:5-6 - Samuel Judges Israel at Mizpah")). After Jerusalem's destruction, it became the new administrative center for the remnant. Its choice was likely practical—it was a fortified town that had not been destroyed like Jerusalem, and its central location made it accessible. Symbolically, it represented a new, albeit fragile, beginning for the Jewish presence in the land, a place where the scattered survivors could attempt to re-establish some form of national identity and governance under the shadow of Babylonian rule.

**Why is Ishmael's presence in this verse particularly noteworthy?**

Answer: Ishmael's presence among the captains who came to Gedaliah is highly significant due to his subsequent actions. Although he appears to be aligning with Gedaliah here, the narrative immediately following this verse reveals his treacherous nature. He later assassinates Gedaliah and many others at Mizpah ([Jeremiah 41:1-3](/jeremiah/41-1 "Jeremiah 41:1-3 - Ishmael's Treachery")), plunging the fragile remnant into further chaos and ultimately leading to their flight to Egypt against God's command. His inclusion in this list serves as a dramatic foreshadowing, highlighting the internal threats and the deep-seated divisions that would ultimately undermine any hope of stability for the post-exilic community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 40:8, depicting the gathering of a scattered remnant under a human governor, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Gedaliah's attempt to gather and lead the remnant ended in tragic failure due to human treachery, Jesus is the true and faithful Shepherd who perfectly gathers His people. He is the one who declares, "[I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")," a stark contrast to the fate of Gedaliah. Just as the remnant in Judah sought a leader in a time of devastation, humanity, devastated by sin, longs for a true deliverer. Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice, gathers a new spiritual remnant, His church, from every nation, tribe, and tongue ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Unlike the temporary and flawed human leadership of Gedaliah, Christ's reign is eternal and perfectly just ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood")). He is the true "son" (H1121, _bên_) of God, the ultimate builder of God's spiritual family, who brings genuine peace and security to all who come to Him, establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")). The hope for a gathered people, tragically dashed at Mizpah, is gloriously realized in the unified body of Christ, where "[there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")".

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 42:1

¶ Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near,

Deuteronomy 3:14

Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair, unto this day.

Ezra 2:22

The men of Netophah, fifty and six.

Nehemiah 7:26

The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.

2 Samuel 23:28

Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,

2 Samuel 23:29

Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,

2 Samuel 10:6

¶ And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.