Jeremiah 41:15

But Ishmael the son of Nethaniah escaped from Johanan with eight men, and went to the Ammonites.

But Ishmael {H3458} the son {H1121} of Nethaniah {H5418} escaped {H4422} from {H6440} Johanan {H3110} with eight {H8083} men {H582}, and went {H3212} to the Ammonites {H1121}{H5983}.

But Yishma'el the son of N'tanyahu escaped from Yochanan with eight men and went on to the people of 'Amon.

But Ishmael son of Nethaniah and eight of his men escaped from Johanan and went to the Ammonites.

But Ishmael the son of Nethaniah escaped from Johanan with eight men, and went to the children of Ammon.

Commentary

Jeremiah 41:15 describes a pivotal moment in the chaotic aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Judah and the tragic events surrounding the remnants of the Jewish people.

Context

This verse follows directly from the gruesome narrative of Ishmael's treachery. After the fall of Jerusalem and the deportation of many Jews, Babylon appointed Gedaliah as governor over the remaining population. However, Ishmael, a man of royal descent, treacherously assassinated Gedaliah and many others, including Chaldean soldiers stationed with him (Jeremiah 41:3). This act plunged the already fragile remnant into further despair and fear. Johanan, son of Kareah, and other captains, hearing of Ishmael's atrocities, gathered forces and pursued him (Jeremiah 41:11-14). Verse 15 marks the conclusion of this immediate confrontation, where Ishmael, though thwarted in his larger scheme, manages to escape capture.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Treachery: Ishmael's horrific acts lead to his flight, demonstrating that violence and deceit ultimately bring isolation and a need for escape from justice. His seeking refuge among the Ammonites highlights his rejection of his own people.
  • Unresolved Conflict and Instability: While Ishmael escapes, his actions leave deep wounds and contribute to the ongoing instability of the Jewish remnant, ultimately leading them to consider fleeing to Egypt (as seen in Jeremiah 42).
  • Seeking Refuge in Unlikely Places: Ishmael, an Israelite, flees to the Ammonites, a neighboring nation often hostile to Israel (Judges 3:13, 1 Samuel 11:1). This choice underscores his desperation and perhaps a pre-existing alliance or sympathy for his actions from outside forces.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Ishmael" (ื™ึดืฉึฐืืžึธืขึตืืœ, Yishma'el) means "God hears." This is tragically ironic given his actions, which brought further suffering and deafness to the cries of his people, rather than divine deliverance. The "Ammonites" (ืขึทืžึผื•ึนืŸ, Ammon) were descendants of Ben-Ammi, Lot's son by his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), and were perennial adversaries of Israel throughout its history.

Reflection and Application

Jeremiah 41:15 serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting and far-reaching consequences of sin, particularly betrayal and violence. Ishmael's escape to the Ammonites illustrates that those who commit grave injustices may evade immediate human capture, but their actions sow discord and fear. This narrative also highlights the dangers of seeking refuge or alliances in ungodly places when one is fleeing from the consequences of their actions. For us today, it underscores the importance of seeking true repentance and reconciliation rather than evasion, and trusting in God's ultimate justice, even when human justice seems incomplete.

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Cross-References

  • Job 21:30

    That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.

  • Proverbs 28:17

    ยถ A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

  • 1 Samuel 30:17

    And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled.

  • 1 Kings 20:20

    And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:11

    Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:12

    Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his [days] be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

  • 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.
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