


Jeremiah 41:13
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.
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.
No cross-references found for this verse.
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
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:
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.