41:12 41:12

Jeremiah 41:13

41:14 41:14

Bible Versions

Now it came to pass, [that] when all the people which [were] with Ishmael saw Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that [were] with him, then they were glad.
Now it came to pass, that when all the people {H5971} which were with Ishmael {H3458} saw {H7200} Johanan {H3110} the son {H1121} of Kareah {H7143}, and all the captains {H8269} of the forces {H2428} that were with him, then they were glad {H8055}.
When all Yishma'el's captives saw Yochanan the son of Kareach and all the military commanders with him, they were overjoyed.
When all the people with Ishmael saw Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the army with him, they rejoiced,
Now it came to pass that, when all the people that were with Ishmael saw Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were with him, then they were glad.

Jeremiah 41:13 KJV captures a moment of immense relief and hope amidst a chaotic and dangerous period in Judah's history following the fall of Jerusalem.

Context

This verse immediately follows the treacherous actions of Ishmael, a member of the royal family, who had brutally assassinated Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor over the remnant of Judah. Ishmael also murdered many Jewish and Chaldean soldiers, then took captive a significant group of people, including the king's daughters and others whom Nebuzaradan had left with Gedaliah. Ishmael intended to flee with these captives to the Ammonites. However, Johanan the son of Kareah, along with other military captains, heard of Ishmael's atrocities and organized a pursuit. This verse describes the moment when the captives, who were with Ishmael, saw their rescuers approaching.

Key Themes

  • Deliverance and Relief: The primary theme is the profound gladness of the captives upon seeing Johanan and his forces. They were in a desperate situation, having been abducted by a ruthless killer, and the sight of their potential rescuers brought immense relief. This moment underscores the human desire for safety and freedom from oppression.
  • Hope Amidst Despair: For the people with Ishmael, their future seemed bleak, likely involving forced exile or further violence. The arrival of Johanan represented an unexpected beacon of hope in their dire circumstances, turning despair into immediate joy.
  • Consequences of Treachery: Ishmael's murderous and deceitful actions had plunged the already fragile remnant of Judah into further chaos. Johanan's pursuit and the subsequent rescue attempt highlight the immediate consequences faced by those who perpetrate such evil, and the relief felt by those who escape their grasp. For more on Ishmael's actions, see Jeremiah 41:2 and Jeremiah 41:10.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "were glad" is samach (שָׂמַח), which conveys a deep sense of joy, rejoicing, or gladness. In this context, it signifies not just happiness, but an overwhelming feeling of relief and liberation from a terrifying ordeal. It highlights the emotional impact of the rescue on the captives, emphasizing their immediate and heartfelt response to seeing their deliverers.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 41:13 reminds us of several timeless truths:

  • Hope in Dark Times: Even in moments of extreme danger or despair, rescue and hope can emerge from unexpected places. The sudden appearance of Johanan's forces illustrates that deliverance can come when least expected.
  • The Value of Intervention: The actions of Johanan and his captains to pursue Ishmael and rescue the captives highlight the importance of individuals who stand up against injustice and intervene to protect the vulnerable.
  • Relief After Tribulation: The "gladness" of the people resonates with anyone who has experienced a sudden release from fear, anxiety, or a dangerous situation. It speaks to the universal human experience of finding peace after a storm.

This verse serves as a powerful testament to the immediate and profound joy that accompanies freedom from oppression and the arrival of help when it is most desperately needed, echoing themes of divine care and rescue often found throughout scripture, such as in Psalm 34:17 where the righteous cry out and the Lord hears and delivers them.

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.

No cross-references found for this verse.

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