Jeremiah 41:6

KJV

And Ishmael the son of Nethaniah went forth from Mizpah to meet them, weeping all along as he went: and it came to pass, as he met them, he said unto them, Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ishmael {H3458} the son {H1121} of Nethaniah {H5418} went forth {H3318} from Mizpah {H4709} to meet {H7125} them, weeping {H1058} all along {H1980} as he went {H1980}: and it came to pass, as he met {H6298} them, he said {H559} unto them, Come {H935} to Gedaliah {H1436} the son {H1121} of Ahikam {H296}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yishma'el the son of N'tanyahu went out from Mitzpah to meet them, weeping all along the way; on meeting them, he said to them, "Come to G'dalyahu the son of Achikam."

Berean Standard Bible

And Ishmael son of Nethaniah went out from Mizpah to meet them, weeping as he went. When Ishmael encountered the men, he said, “Come to Gedaliah son of Ahikam.”

American Standard Version

And Ishmael the son of Nethaniah went forth from Mizpah to meet them, weeping all along as he went: and it came to pass, as he met them, he said unto them, Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 41:6 chillingly portrays Ishmael's cunning and treacherous nature as he intercepts a group of unsuspecting pilgrims. Feigning deep sorrow, he approaches them from Mizpah, luring them with a false invitation to meet Gedaliah, whom he had already brutally murdered. This verse sets the stage for a horrific act of betrayal, highlighting the profound instability and moral decay plaguing Judah in the immediate aftermath of Jerusalem's fall and the assassination of its appointed governor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Ishmael's assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, and many others in Mizpah ([Jeremiah 41:1-3](/jeremiah/41-1 "Jeremiah 41:1-3 - Ishmael Murders Gedaliah")). Ishmael's motive is likely a combination of royal jealousy and pro-Egyptian sentiment, opposing Gedaliah's policy of submission to Babylon. The preceding chapter, [Jeremiah 40](/jeremiah/40 "Jeremiah 40 - Gedaliah Appointed Governor"), details Gedaliah's appointment and his efforts to establish peace and stability for the remnant. This verse introduces a new group of victims, pilgrims from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, who are unaware of the recent massacre. Ishmael's deceptive weeping is a calculated move to draw them closer before his murderous intent is fully revealed in [Jeremiah 41:7](/jeremiah/41-7 "Jeremiah 41:7 - Ishmael's Slaughter of the Pilgrims"). The narrative paints a grim picture of escalating violence and betrayal in the post-exilic remnant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This period follows the devastating destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army. Most of the population, including King Zedekiah, had been exiled to Babylon, leaving only the poorest and a small remnant in the land. Mizpah, a significant administrative and religious center, was chosen as the new capital for the Babylonian province of Judah. Gedaliah, from a prominent family (his father Ahikam had protected Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 26:24](/jeremiah/26-24 "Jeremiah 26:24 - Ahikam Protects Jeremiah")), was appointed governor. The pilgrims mentioned in the subsequent verses ([Jeremiah 41:5](/jeremiah/41-5 "Jeremiah 41:5 - The Pilgrims Arrive")) were likely coming to offer sacrifices or mourn at the ruined Temple site in Jerusalem, a testament to the enduring religious devotion despite the destruction. Ishmael, a descendant of the royal family, resented Gedaliah's authority and was part of a broader conspiracy, possibly incited by Baalis, king of the Ammonites ([Jeremiah 40:14](/jeremiah/40-14 "Jeremiah 40:14 - Baalis Incites Ishmael")). His actions represent a complete breakdown of order and trust in a society already reeling from conquest and exile.
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 41:6](/jeremiah/41-6 "Jeremiah 41:6 - Ishmael's Deceptive Encounter") powerfully illustrates the themes of **deception and treachery**. Ishmael's feigned sorrow, expressed through his "weeping all along as he went," is a masterclass in calculated hypocrisy, designed to disarm and ensnare his unsuspecting victims. This act of profound betrayal further destabilizes the already fragile remnant of Judah, highlighting the devastating **consequences of internal strife and moral decay** in a community that desperately needed unity and leadership. The verse also underscores the theme of **false compassion**, where outward displays of empathy mask a sinister and murderous intent, serving as a stark warning about the deceptive nature of evil and the importance of discerning true character, especially in times of vulnerability and crisis.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Weeping (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** a primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan. In this context, Ishmael's "weeping" (H1058) is a deliberate act of feigned sorrow, a deceptive outward display designed to elicit sympathy and lower the guard of the unsuspecting pilgrims. It is a profound misuse of an expression of genuine grief, highlighting his cunning and malicious intent.
* **Went forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim. Ishmael's act of "going forth" (H3318) from Mizpah is not a casual departure but a purposeful movement to intercept the pilgrims. The verb implies a deliberate action with a specific, sinister objective in mind, setting the stage for his ambush.
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense. The repeated phrase "son of" (H1121) for Nethaniah and Ahikam emphasizes lineage and identity in ancient Israelite society. While typically signifying familial connection and heritage, in Ishmael's case, his identity as "son of Nethaniah" (and by extension, a royal descendant) lends a veneer of authority or trustworthiness to his deceptive approach, making his betrayal even more profound.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ishmael the son of Nethaniah went forth from Mizpah to meet them":** This clause establishes the protagonist, Ishmael, identified by his lineage, and his deliberate action of leaving Mizpah. His purpose is to "meet" a specific group, foreshadowing an encounter that is anything but benign. The mention of Mizpah grounds the event geographically in the immediate aftermath of Gedaliah's assassination.
* **"weeping all along as he went":** This is the pivotal detail revealing Ishmael's deceptive strategy. His public display of "weeping" is a calculated performance, designed to evoke sympathy and trust from those he is about to betray. The repetition "all along as he went" emphasizes the sustained nature of his feigned grief, making his act of treachery even more chilling.
* **"and it came to pass, as he met them, he said unto them, Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam":** This final clause brings the deceptive encounter to its climax. Ishmael's verbal invitation, "Come to Gedaliah," is a direct lie, as he himself had already murdered Gedaliah. This invitation, cloaked in false sorrow, serves as the lure to draw the unsuspecting pilgrims into his trap, setting the stage for their slaughter.

#### Literary Devices
**Irony** is powerfully employed in this verse, as Ishmael's outward display of "weeping" directly contradicts his murderous intentions. His feigned sorrow is a calculated performance, creating a stark contrast between appearance and reality. This **dramatic irony** is heightened for the reader, who is aware of Gedaliah's murder ([Jeremiah 41:2](/jeremiah/41-2 "Jeremiah 41:2 - Ishmael Murders Gedaliah")), while the pilgrims remain tragically oblivious. The invitation, "Come to Gedaliah," is a supreme act of **verbal irony**, as it is an invitation to their doom, delivered under the guise of hospitality. The phrase "weeping all along as he went" also functions as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the emotional manipulation and the tragic outcome that will soon unfold for the pilgrims. This carefully crafted deception underscores the depth of Ishmael's depravity and the pervasive atmosphere of betrayal in post-exilic Judah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 41:6 serves as a stark theological warning against the insidious nature of deception, particularly when cloaked in apparent piety or compassion. Ishmael's feigned weeping highlights the biblical theme that outward appearances can be profoundly misleading, and that evil often operates under a veneer of goodness. This act of treachery mirrors the broader spiritual warfare where spiritual adversaries disguise themselves to lead astray. The narrative underscores the fragility of human trust and the devastating consequences when it is betrayed, especially within a community already suffering from external pressures. It calls believers to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that not all expressions of sorrow or invitations are genuine, and that true wisdom involves looking beyond superficial displays to the heart's true intentions.

* [Proverbs 26:24-26](/proverbs/26-24 "Proverbs 26:24-26 - Deceitful Lips and a Wicked Heart")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")
* [2 Corinthians 11:13-15](/2_corinthians/11-13 "2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - Satan Disguises Himself as an Angel of Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 41:6 forces us to confront the uncomfortable reality of betrayal, even from those who appear to be suffering alongside us. Ishmael's deceptive tears serve as a potent reminder that not all sorrow is genuine, and not all invitations are safe. In our own lives, we encounter situations where appearances can be misleading, whether in personal relationships, public figures, or even spiritual contexts. This verse challenges us to develop a keen sense of discernment, relying not merely on outward displays of emotion but on the consistent character and fruit of a person's life. It encourages us to pray for wisdom to recognize manipulative tactics and to guard our hearts against those who would exploit our trust for their own malicious ends. Furthermore, it prompts us to examine our own hearts: are we ever tempted to use outward piety or feigned emotion to achieve our own selfish desires? The tragic outcome for the pilgrims underscores the devastating impact of such deception on individuals and communities, urging us to be people of integrity and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize deceptive appearances in our daily lives?**
* **What are the potential dangers of trusting solely in outward expressions of emotion without considering a person's character or past actions?**
* **In what ways might we, even subtly, be tempted to use deceptive tactics or feigned emotions to achieve our own ends, and how can we resist such temptations?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ishmael weeping?**

Answer: Ishmael's weeping was a calculated act of deception, not genuine sorrow. He had just murdered Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, and many others in Mizpah ([Jeremiah 41:1-3](/jeremiah/41-1 "Jeremiah 41:1-3 - Ishmael Murders Gedaliah")). His feigned tears were a cunning tactic to disarm the unsuspecting pilgrims from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, making them believe he was mourning the recent devastation or perhaps even Gedaliah's death, thereby luring them into his trap. It was a mask for his murderous intentions.

**Who was Gedaliah and why was he important?**

Answer: Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as governor over the remnant of Judah after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC ([Jeremiah 40:5](/jeremiah/40-5 "Jeremiah 40:5 - Gedaliah Appointed Governor")). He was a righteous and wise leader who sought to bring stability and encourage the people to live peacefully under Babylonian rule ([Jeremiah 40:9-10](/jeremiah/40-9 "Jeremiah 40:9-10 - Gedaliah's Counsel to the Remnant")). His importance lay in his role as the last hope for a stable Jewish presence in the land before the final dispersion, making his assassination by Ishmael a catastrophic blow to the surviving community.

**What happened to the pilgrims after this encounter?**

Answer: Tragically, after Ishmael lured them with his deceptive invitation, he and his men ambushed and slaughtered the pilgrims. [Jeremiah 41:7](/jeremiah/41-7 "Jeremiah 41:7 - Ishmael's Slaughter of the Pilgrims") records that Ishmael and his men killed 70 of the 80 men, throwing their bodies into a pit. Only ten men were spared because they offered to reveal hidden stores of wheat, barley, oil, and honey. This horrific act further solidified Ishmael's treachery and plunged the remnant into deeper chaos and fear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 41:6, with its chilling depiction of Ishmael's deceptive weeping and murderous intent, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate contrast between false saviors and the true [Shepherd of Israel](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). Ishmael's feigned compassion is a stark antithesis to the genuine empathy and self-sacrificial love of [Jesus Christ](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This"). While Ishmael lured unsuspecting victims to their death with a lie, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly laid down His life to rescue humanity from the deception and death wrought by sin. The prophet Jeremiah himself, whose suffering often foreshadowed Christ's, wept genuine tears over the sins of his people ([Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah 9:1 - Jeremiah's Lament")), a sorrow that finds its ultimate expression in Christ's lament over Jerusalem ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). Unlike Ishmael, who brought chaos and destruction, Jesus came to bring [life and life more abundantly](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Came to Give Life Abundantly"). He is the [Truth](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life") who exposes all deception, and His invitation is not to a trap, but to eternal salvation and true peace, offering a secure refuge from all spiritual and physical dangers.

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 50:4

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.

2 Samuel 3:16

And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.

2 Samuel 1:2

It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and [so] it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

2 Samuel 1:16

And David said unto him, Thy blood [be] upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.

Proverbs 26:23

¶ Burning lips and a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross.

Proverbs 26:26

[Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation.