Jeremiah 41:18

Because of the Chaldeans: for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor in the land.

Because {H6440} of the Chaldeans {H3778}: for they were afraid {H3372} of them, because Ishmael {H3458} the son {H1121} of Nethaniah {H5418} had slain {H5221} Gedaliah {H1436} the son {H1121} of Ahikam {H296}, whom the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} made governor {H6485} in the land {H776}.

and thus escape the Kasdim. They were afraid of them, because Yishma'el the son of N'tanyahu had murdered G'dalyahu the son of Achikam, whom the king of Bavel had appointed governor of the land.

to escape the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of the Chaldeans because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor over the land.

Commentary

Jeremiah 41:18 concludes the account of the fear gripping the remnant of Judah after the assassination of Gedaliah, linking their apprehension directly to the potential retribution from the powerful Babylonian empire.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is situated in a tumultuous period following the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple by Nebuchadnezzar's forces in 586 BC. The king of Babylon, in an attempt to maintain some order, had appointed Gedaliah, a respected figure, as governor over the remaining Jewish population in the land (Jeremiah 40:7). Gedaliah sought to bring stability and encourage the people to live peacefully under Babylonian rule. However, Ishmael, a man of royal descent, driven by jealousy and likely incited by the Ammonites, treacherously assassinated Gedaliah and many others (Jeremiah 41:2-3). This shocking act plunged the already vulnerable remnant into profound fear. They knew that killing a governor appointed by the mighty Nebuchadnezzar would incur severe wrath from the Chaldeans (Babylonians), leading them to consider fleeing to Egypt for safety, a decision they would later consult Jeremiah about (Jeremiah 42:2).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consequences of Treachery: Ishmael's violent act had far-reaching and devastating consequences, not only for his immediate victims but for the entire Jewish remnant, forcing them into a state of panic and uncertainty.
  • Fear and Insecurity: The overwhelming fear of the Chaldeans highlights the extreme vulnerability of the people. Their past experiences with Babylonian brutality made them dread further punishment, even for a crime committed by one of their own.
  • Political Instability: The murder of Gedaliah shattered the fragile peace and order established by Babylon, demonstrating the precariousness of their existence and the constant threat of external powers.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Chaldeans" (Hebrew: Kasdim) refers to the inhabitants of Chaldea, a region in southern Mesopotamia, who formed the dominant power of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Their name became synonymous with the formidable Babylonian military and political authority that had conquered Judah. The word "slain" (Hebrew: harag) emphasizes the violent and decisive nature of Ishmael's act, which directly triggered the widespread fear described in the verse.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 41:18 serves as a stark reminder of how individual acts of violence and betrayal can have widespread, destabilizing effects on a community. It illustrates the destructive power of fear, especially when it drives people to make impulsive decisions rather than seeking divine guidance. In times of crisis and uncertainty, this verse encourages us to consider the ripple effects of our actions and to resist the temptation to succumb to fear, instead seeking wise counsel and trusting in God's ultimate plan, even when circumstances are daunting. The people's subsequent decision to flee to Egypt, despite Jeremiah's warning, underscores the dangers of fear overriding faith (Jeremiah 43:7).

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 40:5 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Luke 12:4 (4 votes)

    And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

  • Luke 12:5 (4 votes)

    But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

  • Jeremiah 42:16 (4 votes)

    Then it shall come to pass, [that] the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die.

  • Jeremiah 42:11 (3 votes)

    Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I [am] with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.

  • Jeremiah 43:2 (3 votes)

    Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there:

  • Jeremiah 43:3 (3 votes)

    But Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on against us, for to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death, and carry us away captives into Babylon.