Jeremiah 41:8

KJV

But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

But ten {H6235} men {H582} were found {H4672} among them that said {H559} unto Ishmael {H3458}, Slay {H4191} us not: for we have {H3426} treasures {H4301} in the field {H7704}, of wheat {H2406}, and of barley {H8184}, and of oil {H8081}, and of honey {H1706}. So he forbare {H2308}, and slew {H4191} them not among {H8432} their brethren {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, ten of them said to Yishma'el, "Don't kill us, for we have stores of wheat, barley, olive oil and honey hidden in the field." So he relented, and did not kill them along with their comrades.

Berean Standard Bible

But ten of the men among them said to Ishmael, “Do not kill us, for we have hidden treasure in the field—wheat, barley, oil, and honey!” So he refrained from killing them with the others.

American Standard Version

But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not; for we have stores hidden in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 41:8 recounts a pivotal moment during Ishmael's murderous rampage after the assassination of Gedaliah. Ten men, facing certain death, offered Ishmael their hidden stores of essential provisions—wheat, barley, oil, and honey—as a ransom for their lives. This desperate plea, driven by the instinct for survival and the immense value of these "treasures in the field," prompted Ishmael to spare them, revealing his opportunistic and avaricious character amidst the widespread chaos and violence in post-exilic Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in the immediate aftermath of Ishmael's treacherous assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor of Judah, along with his Jewish and Chaldean associates at Mizpah (Jeremiah 41:1-3). Following this horrific act, Ishmael proceeded to murder a group of eighty pilgrims from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, sparing only ten who offered hidden provisions (Jeremiah 41:4-8). The narrative then describes Ishmael's subsequent capture of the remaining inhabitants of Mizpah, including the daughters of King Zedekiah, with the intention of taking them captive to the Ammonites (Jeremiah 41:9-10). The verse therefore serves as a brief, chilling interlude, highlighting the desperate measures taken for survival and Ishmael's calculating cruelty, before the arrival of Johanan and the other captains who confront Ishmael (Jeremiah 41:11-15).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 41 unfold in the tumultuous period following the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BC by the Babylonians. Nebuchadnezzar had deported the majority of the population but left a remnant in Judah under the governorship of Gedaliah, who was tasked with maintaining order and ensuring loyalty to Babylon. Mizpah, a significant administrative and religious center, became the new capital. The "treasures in the field" mentioned in the verse refer to food staples like wheat, barley, oil, and honey, which were often buried or hidden in pits (cisterns or caves) to protect them from invading armies, bandits, or as a means of preserving wealth in times of instability. This practice was common in ancient Near Eastern societies, especially during periods of war or famine, underscoring the extreme vulnerability and resourcefulness required for survival in such a ravaged land.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 41:8 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah. It powerfully illustrates the **chaos and instability** that plagued Judah after the fall of Jerusalem, demonstrating how internal strife compounded the external oppression. The actions of Ishmael highlight the theme of **treachery and unrighteous leadership**, contrasting sharply with the faithful remnant or the compassionate acts seen elsewhere, such as [Ebed-melech's rescue of Jeremiah](/jeremiah/38-7 "Jeremiah 38:7 - Ebed-melech Rescues Jeremiah"). The verse also underscores the **value of basic provisions** in a time of scarcity, portraying them not merely as commodities but as literal lifelines, capable of purchasing life itself. Furthermore, it subtly touches upon the theme of **divine judgment and its consequences**, as the people of Judah, having rejected God's warnings, now faced the bitter fruit of their disobedience, including internal violence and desperation, as prophesied throughout Jeremiah, particularly in passages detailing the [siege of Jerusalem](/jeremiah/39-1 "Jeremiah 39:1 - The Siege of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **treasures (Hebrew, _maṭmôwn'_):** From an unused root meaning to secrete or hide, this word refers to a secret storehouse or, by implication, a secreted valuable, often money or, as here, buried provisions. It emphasizes that these were not just ordinary crops but carefully concealed and highly valuable assets, indicative of foresight and a desperate attempt to secure livelihood in a time of extreme instability and danger. Their hidden nature underscores their importance as a last resort.
* **forbare (Hebrew, _châdal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be flabby," which by implication means to desist, cease, or leave off. In this context, it signifies Ishmael's act of stopping his killing spree. His decision to "forbear" was not born of mercy or compassion but was a calculated cessation of violence, directly motivated by the prospect of material gain from the hidden provisions. It highlights his pragmatic, self-serving nature.
* **slay (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** A primitive root meaning "to die" or, causatively, "to kill." This word starkly presents the imminent threat faced by the ten men. The repetition of "slew them not" at the end of the verse emphasizes the averted death, making the act of forbearing a direct counterpoint to the preceding massacre and underscoring the life-saving impact of the offered "treasures."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not:"** This clause introduces a critical turning point. Amidst the general slaughter of the pilgrims, a small group of ten men distinguished themselves. Their direct plea to Ishmael, "Slay us not," is a desperate cry for survival, indicating their awareness of their imminent demise and their willingness to negotiate for their lives. The phrase "were found among them" suggests either that they were discovered in the midst of the larger group, or that they were the only ones who dared to speak up, possessing something unique to offer.
* **"for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey."** This is the crucial offering that serves as their ransom. The "treasures" are specifically identified as essential agricultural staples—wheat and barley (grains), oil (likely olive oil, a vital source of fat and light), and honey (a sweetener and preservative). The mention of them being "in the field" implies they were buried caches, a common practice to protect valuable resources from invaders or thieves in times of war. This highlights the immense value of these provisions in a devastated land, where food security was paramount.
* **"So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren."** Ishmael's response is immediate and pragmatic. The verb "forbare" (ceased) indicates a deliberate choice to halt his violence. He spared these ten men, not out of compassion, but because the material gain outweighed the desire for further bloodshed. The phrase "among their brethren" tragically underscores the fate of the other seventy pilgrims who were not spared, emphasizing the stark contrast between those who had a ransom and those who did not, and the brutal selectivity of Ishmael's actions.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is evident in the stark difference between the fate of the ten men and their "brethren," highlighting the selective nature of Ishmael's violence driven by avarice rather than indiscriminate rage. The phrase "treasures in the field" is an example of **Metonymy**, where "treasures" stands for the hidden, valuable provisions themselves, emphasizing their immense worth beyond mere commodities. The **Repetition** of "slew them not" at the end of the verse serves to underscore the averted tragedy and the immediate consequence of the men's offer. Furthermore, the scene itself functions as **Foreshadowing** of the ongoing struggle for survival and the moral compromises that would define life in post-exilic Judah, where material gain could supersede human life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 41:8 offers a sobering glimpse into the moral and social decay that afflicted Judah in the aftermath of the Babylonian conquest. It reveals how the basic human instinct for survival can drive desperate actions, and how unchecked greed and opportunism, personified by Ishmael, can exploit such desperation. The narrative implicitly critiques a society where life itself can be bartered for material wealth, reflecting a profound spiritual brokenness that had led to the nation's downfall. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of abandoning divine wisdom for self-serving ambition, illustrating the prophetic warnings of a land consumed by violence and distrust. The "treasures" here are earthly and perishable, contrasting sharply with the true spiritual treasures God offers.

* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of All Covetousness")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 41:8 compels us to reflect on the nature of value, survival, and moral integrity in times of crisis. The desperate act of the ten men, offering their hidden provisions to save their lives, highlights the profound human desire for self-preservation. It challenges us to consider what we truly value when faced with extreme circumstances. Are our "treasures" perishable earthly goods, or are they eternal and spiritual? Ishmael's decision to spare them, motivated purely by avarice, serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked self-interest and the dehumanizing effect of prioritizing material gain over human life. This passage calls us to examine our own hearts: Do we exploit the vulnerability of others for personal gain, or do we seek to embody compassion and justice, even when it comes at a cost to ourselves? It also reminds us of the fragility of peace and the critical importance of ethical leadership and community trust, especially in a world often marked by conflict and scarcity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "treasures" do I prioritize in my life, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainty?**
* **How does Ishmael's character—driven by greed—contrast with the kind of leadership and compassion that God calls us to embody?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to compromise my values or exploit others for personal gain, even in less extreme circumstances than those in Jeremiah 41?**
* **How can I cultivate a mindset of generosity and trust, even when external circumstances might tempt me towards self-preservation at any cost?**

### FAQ
**What were the "treasures in the field" that the men offered?**

Answer: The "treasures in the field" were hidden caches of essential agricultural provisions: wheat, barley, oil (likely olive oil), and honey. In ancient times, especially during periods of conflict or instability like the one described in Jeremiah, people would often bury or conceal their valuable food stores in the ground, cisterns, or caves to protect them from invaders, looters, or to preserve them for future use. These were not just ordinary crops, but carefully secured assets that represented their means of survival and, in this case, their ransom. This practice is also alluded to in other biblical texts, such as [Jeremiah 36:19](/jeremiah/36-19 "Jeremiah 36:19 - Baruch Hides from Jehoiakim") where Baruch is advised to hide, implying the need to secure resources.

**Why did Ishmael spare these ten men but kill others?**

Answer: Ishmael spared the ten men not out of mercy or compassion, but out of pure self-interest and avarice. The text explicitly states that they offered him "treasures in the field." Ishmael, a ruthless opportunist, recognized the immediate material value of these hidden provisions in a devastated land. His decision to "forbear" and "slew them not" was a calculated choice to prioritize wealth over further bloodshed, but only when it served his own gain. This contrasts sharply with his earlier indiscriminate slaughter of Gedaliah and his companions, and the pilgrims, demonstrating his character as someone driven by ambition and material acquisition, as seen in his attempt to take the remaining populace captive to the Ammonites (Jeremiah 41:10).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 41:8, though set in a context of human depravity and desperate survival, subtly points to the ultimate "treasure" and the true ransom for life found in Christ. The perishable "treasures in the field"—wheat, barley, oil, and honey—were offered by the ten men to save their physical lives from Ishmael's sword. This temporal salvation, bought with earthly goods, foreshadows the eternal salvation offered by Jesus. He is the true and imperishable "bread of life" (as declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), the "light of the world" (symbolized by oil, found in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), and the source of ultimate sweetness and satisfaction for the soul (alluding to the "honey" of God's word, as in [Psalm 119:103](/psalm/119-103 "Psalm 119:103 - Sweetness of God's Word")). Unlike Ishmael, who spared lives for personal gain, Christ willingly laid down His life as the ultimate ransom, not for earthly treasures, but for the redemption of humanity (as seen in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve and Give His Life as a Ransom")). He offers true life, not merely a reprieve from physical death, a life that is eternal and secured not by what we possess, but by His sacrificial love, a love that far surpasses any earthly "treasure" (as articulated in [Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Paul Counts All Things as Loss for Christ")).

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

Proverbs 13:8

¶ The ransom of a man's life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

Job 2:4

And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

Mark 8:36

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Mark 8:37

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Psalms 49:6

¶ They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

Psalms 49:8

(For the redemption of their soul [is] precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.