Jeremiah 41:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then arose {H6965} Ishmael {H3458} the son {H1121} of Nethaniah {H5418}, and the ten {H6235} men {H582} that were with him, and smote {H5221} Gedaliah {H1436} the son {H1121} of Ahikam {H296} the son {H1121} of Shaphan {H8227} with the sword {H2719}, and slew {H4191} him, whom the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} had made governor {H6485} over the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yishma'el and the ten men with him rose and attacked G'dalyahu the son of Achikam, the son of Shafan, struck him with their swords, and assassinated the man whom the king of Bavel had appointed governor of the land.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him got up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed to govern the land.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 41:2 vividly recounts the brutal assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor over the Jewish remnant in Judah, by Ishmael son of Nethaniah and his ten co-conspirators. This treacherous act, occurring shortly after Jerusalem's destruction, extinguished the fragile hope for stability and self-governance in the land, plunging the surviving community into further chaos and fear, and ultimately leading to their flight to Egypt against divine counsel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 41:2 immediately follows the establishment of Gedaliah's governorship in [Jeremiah 40](/jeremiah/40 "Jeremiah 40 - Gedaliah's Appointment"). Chapters 40-44 detail the tumultuous period after the fall of Jerusalem, focusing on the remnant left in Judah. Chapter 40 describes Gedaliah's appointment, his call for the people to settle and serve Babylon, and the warning he receives about Ishmael's plot from Johanan son of Kareah, which Gedaliah dismisses. Chapter 41 then opens with Ishmael's arrival and the swift, violent execution of the plot, leading to further massacres and the abduction of the people. This verse is the tragic pivot point, setting the stage for the subsequent flight to Egypt, which Jeremiah vehemently opposes in [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - The Remnant Seeks Jeremiah's Counsel") and [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - The Remnant Flees to Egypt").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The year 586 BC marked the devastating destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces, culminating decades of prophetic warnings from Jeremiah. The majority of the skilled and wealthy population had been exiled, leaving behind the poorest and a few administrators. Gedaliah, a trusted figure from a prominent family (his grandfather Shaphan was a scribe under Josiah, and his father Ahikam protected Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 26:24](/jeremiah/26-24 "Jeremiah 26:24 - Ahikam Protects Jeremiah")), was appointed by Babylon to govern this remnant. His appointment offered a semblance of order and a path to recovery, as he encouraged loyalty to Babylon. However, Ishmael, a member of the royal family, likely harbored ambitions of restoring a Davidic monarchy and resented Gedaliah's pro-Babylonian stance. His actions were possibly instigated by Baalis, the king of Ammon, who saw an opportunity to destabilize the region and weaken Babylonian control, as mentioned in [Jeremiah 40:14](/jeremiah/40-14 "Jeremiah 40:14 - Baalis's Instigation").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in Jeremiah's later chapters. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Treachery and Internal Strife**, demonstrating how internal divisions and ambition can be as destructive, if not more so, than external conquest. Ishmael's betrayal shatters the fragile hope for peace and stability. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Disrupted Hope and Failed Leadership**. Gedaliah represented the last vestige of legitimate, albeit Babylonian-appointed, leadership and a chance for the remnant to rebuild. His murder extinguishes this hope, leading to further scattering and suffering, contrary to God's will for the remnant to remain in the land ([Jeremiah 42:10](/jeremiah/42-10 "Jeremiah 42:10 - God's Promise to the Remnant")). Finally, the event serves as a stark example of **Human Rebellion Against Divine Counsel**, as the people's subsequent actions of fleeing to Egypt directly defy Jeremiah's prophetic warnings, leading to further judgment as foretold in [Jeremiah 44](/jeremiah/44 "Jeremiah 44 - Jeremiah's Prophecy Against the Remnant in Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ishmael (Hebrew, _Yishmâʻêʼl'_):** Derived from the roots meaning "God will hear," this name ironically belongs to a figure who acts in direct opposition to God's revealed will through Jeremiah. While the name itself carries a positive theological meaning, Ishmael's character in this narrative is defined by his treacherous ambition and disregard for the well-being of his people. He is presented as a member of the royal family, which likely fueled his resentment of Gedaliah, a non-royal appointee, and his desire to restore a pre-exilic political order.
* **Gedaliah (Hebrew, _Gᵉdalyâh'_):** Meaning "Jah has become great" or "Yahweh is great," Gedaliah's name reflects a deep theological truth about God's sovereignty. His character, as depicted in Jeremiah 40, aligns with this, as he sought to lead the remnant in obedience to the Babylonian king, which Jeremiah affirmed as God's will. His assassination, therefore, is not merely a political murder but a rejection of the divinely ordained path for the remnant, a tragic testament to human resistance against God's plan, even when mediated through difficult circumstances.
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This verb signifies a forceful, decisive strike, often leading to injury or death. In this context, it emphasizes the brutal and deliberate nature of Ishmael's attack. Coupled with "slew" (H4191, _mûwth_), it leaves no doubt about the violent intent and outcome. The choice of "smote" highlights the physical act of violence that initiated Gedaliah's demise, underscoring the sudden and unexpected nature of the assault on the unsuspecting governor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him,"**: This clause sets the scene, introducing the chief perpetrator, Ishmael, identified by his lineage, and his small but effective band of ten conspirators. The phrase "arose" (H6965, _qûwm_) suggests a deliberate, decisive movement, indicating the initiation of their planned attack. The mention of "ten men" signifies a coordinated, premeditated act rather than a spontaneous outburst, highlighting the calculated nature of the treachery.
* **"and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him,"**: This is the core action of the verse, detailing the brutal assassination. The repeated emphasis on Gedaliah's lineage ("son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan") serves to highlight his respected background and the tragic irony of his murder by a fellow Israelite. The dual verbs "smote" (H5221, _nâkâh_) and "slew" (H4191, _mûwth_) underscore the definitive and violent nature of the act, leaving no ambiguity about Gedaliah's death. The weapon, "the sword" (H2719, _chereb_), signifies a direct, personal, and lethal assault.
* **"whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land."**: This final clause provides the crucial context for Gedaliah's identity and the significance of his murder. He was not merely a local leader but an official appointed by the mighty Babylonian king (H4428, _melek_). This appointment gave him legitimate authority in the eyes of the occupying power and, crucially, in the eyes of Jeremiah, represented God's will for the remnant. Ishmael's act is thus not just regicide (in a sense, as Gedaliah was a proxy ruler) but an act of rebellion against the established order, both human and, implicitly, divine. The phrase "over the land" (H776, _ʼerets_) specifies his jurisdiction, the very land of Judah, now under foreign dominion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. The immediate and stark presentation of the assassination, without preamble or extensive emotional description, creates a sense of **Abruptness** and **Shock**, mirroring the suddenness and unexpected nature of the event for the remnant. The detailed lineage provided for both Ishmael and Gedaliah (e.g., "Ishmael the son of Nethaniah," "Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan") serves as a form of **Identification** and **Contrast**. While both are Israelites, their actions and roles stand in stark opposition: Ishmael, of royal lineage, acts with destructive ambition, while Gedaliah, from a family known for protecting prophets, embodies a fragile hope for stability. The mention of "the king of Babylon had made governor" functions as **Irony** and **Foreshadowing**. It is ironic that the very authority meant to bring order is violently overthrown by internal strife, and it foreshadows the further chaos and scattering that will ensue as a direct consequence of this act, demonstrating the futility of human rebellion against divinely ordained circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The assassination of Gedaliah is a profound theological statement within the book of Jeremiah, illustrating the depths of human depravity and the tragic consequences of rejecting God's counsel, even when that counsel comes through difficult and humbling circumstances. Gedaliah's leadership, though under Babylonian suzerainty, represented God's provision for the remnant to remain in the land and rebuild. Ishmael's act of treachery, fueled by ambition and perhaps a misguided sense of nationalistic zeal, directly thwarted this divine plan, plunging the people into deeper distress and ultimately leading them to defy Jeremiah's warnings by fleeing to Egypt. This event underscores the recurring theme in Jeremiah that true peace and security are found not in human schemes or rebellion, but in humble submission to God's will, even when it involves serving a foreign power as a consequence of sin.

* [2 Kings 25:25](/2_kings/25-25 "2 Kings 25:25 - Gedaliah's Assassination") - This parallel account in Kings confirms the historical event and its immediate aftermath.
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") - Ishmael's ambition and pride, leading to Gedaliah's murder, exemplify how "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
* [Jeremiah 42:13](/jeremiah/42-13 "Jeremiah 42:13-17 - Consequences of Disobeying God's Counsel") - The subsequent flight to Egypt, directly resulting from the instability caused by Gedaliah's death, showcases the dire consequences of disobeying God's explicit command to remain in the land.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 41:2 serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of internal strife and unchecked ambition, particularly within a community already facing immense external pressure. Gedaliah, though appointed by an enemy king, offered a path to stability and recovery, a glimmer of hope in a desolate land. Ishmael's act, however, demonstrates how personal resentment, a thirst for power, or a misguided sense of loyalty can utterly dismantle any chance for peace and lead to deeper suffering. For us today, this narrative calls for a critical self-examination of our motives within communities, whether familial, ecclesiastical, or societal. It challenges us to discern true leadership that seeks the common good, even in imperfect circumstances, and to resist the temptation of divisive actions fueled by personal gain or unholy ambition. The tragic outcome for the remnant emphasizes that unity, trust, and obedience to God's revealed will—even when difficult—are paramount for flourishing, while disunity and rebellion only lead to further fragmentation and despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do personal ambitions or resentments manifest in our communities today, and what are their potential destructive consequences?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to reject a "Gedaliah" figure—someone who offers a path to stability and peace, even if it's not our ideal solution?**
* **What role does trust (or lack thereof) play in the stability and flourishing of a community, and how can we cultivate it?**
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of obedience to authority, even when that authority is imperfect or imposed?**

### FAQ

**Who was Gedaliah, and why was his death so significant?**
Answer: Gedaliah was a respected Jewish leader appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, to govern the remnant of Judah left in the land after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. His appointment offered a crucial opportunity for the surviving Jewish population to establish a stable life under Babylonian rule, as advised by the prophet Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 40:7-10](/jeremiah/40-7 "Jeremiah 40:7-10 - Gedaliah's Instructions to the Remnant"). His death was profoundly significant because it extinguished this fragile hope for stability and self-governance. It led to further chaos, fear, and ultimately prompted the remnant to flee to Egypt, directly defying God's command given through Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 42:19-22](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19-22 - Jeremiah Warns Against Going to Egypt"), thus sealing their fate and leading to further judgment.

**What motivated Ishmael to assassinate Gedaliah?**
Answer: Ishmael, described as "of the royal seed" (likely a descendant of the Davidic line, see [2 Kings 25:25](/2_kings/25-25 "2 Kings 25:25 - Ishmael's Royal Lineage")), was likely motivated by a combination of factors. Primarily, he resented Gedaliah's authority, as Gedaliah was a Babylonian appointee rather than a king from the traditional Jewish monarchy. Ishmael probably harbored ambitions of restoring a Jewish king, with himself potentially in that role. Furthermore, he was instigated by Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, who saw an opportunity to destabilize the region and undermine Babylonian control by eliminating their appointed governor, as explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 40:14](/jeremiah/40-14 "Jeremiah 40:14 - Baalis's Role in the Plot"). This combination of personal ambition, nationalistic fervor, and foreign instigation led to his treacherous act.

**Was Gedaliah's death a fulfillment of prophecy?**
Answer: While Gedaliah's death itself is not explicitly prophesied by Jeremiah beforehand, it is a direct consequence of the disobedience and internal strife that Jeremiah consistently warned against. Jeremiah had urged the people to submit to Babylonian rule as God's judgment and to remain in the land ([Jeremiah 27:11](/jeremiah/27-11 "Jeremiah 27:11 - Submit to Babylon")). Gedaliah's governorship was the means by which this submission could occur peacefully. Ishmael's assassination of Gedaliah and the subsequent flight to Egypt by the remnant are clear acts of rebellion against God's revealed will, leading to the fulfillment of further prophecies of judgment upon those who disobeyed ([Jeremiah 44:11-14](/jeremiah/44-11 "Jeremiah 44:11-14 - Judgment on Those in Egypt")). Thus, while not a direct prophecy of the event itself, it set in motion a chain of events that led to the fulfillment of Jeremiah's broader warnings regarding the consequences of disobedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Gedaliah's assassination in Jeremiah 41:2, a story of betrayal and the extinguishing of hope, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct parallel of events, but in the stark contrast between human treachery and divine faithfulness, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Ishmael's act represents the ultimate human failure to embrace God's path, even when it involved humbling submission. In contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel, willingly submitted to the ultimate betrayal and unjust execution, not as a victim of human ambition, but as the perfect Lamb of God. While Gedaliah's death plunged his people into further despair, Jesus' death on the cross, orchestrated by human treachery and political maneuvering (cf. [Luke 23:1-25](/luke/23-1 "Luke 23:1-25 - Jesus Before Pilate")), became the very means of salvation and the source of eternal hope for all humanity. Unlike Gedaliah, whose governorship was overthrown, Christ's kingdom is eternal and unshakable ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - Christ's Eternal Dominion")). The ultimate "governor" appointed by God, Jesus, was rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")), yet His sacrifice brought reconciliation and life, overcoming the very sin and death that characterized the dark period of Jeremiah's prophecy. Where human leaders fail and hopes are dashed, Christ stands as the faithful Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), ensuring that His people will never be scattered and lost, but gathered into His eternal kingdom.

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

2 Kings 25:25

But it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at Mizpah.

Jeremiah 40:5

Now while he was not yet gone back, [he said], Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.

Psalms 41:9

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

Psalms 109:5

And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

2 Samuel 20:9

And Joab said to Amasa, [Art] thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

2 Samuel 20:10

But Amasa took no heed to the sword that [was] in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth [rib], and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

2 Samuel 3:27

And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth [rib], that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.