Jeremiah 41:4

And it came to pass the second day after he had slain Gedaliah, and no man knew [it],

And it came to pass the second {H8145} day {H3117} after he had slain {H4191} Gedaliah {H1436}, and no man {H376} knew {H3045} it,

The next day, before his assassination of G'dalyahu had become known,

On the second day after the murder of Gedaliah, when no one yet knew about it,

And it came to pass the second day after he had slain Gedaliah, and no man knew it,

Commentary

Jeremiah 41:4 describes a critical moment in the unfolding tragedy following the Babylonian conquest of Judah. This verse underscores the clandestine nature of Ishmael's actions, emphasizing the secrecy surrounding the assassination of Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Babylon.

Context

To understand this verse, it's essential to recall the immediate events preceding it. After the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of many to Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam as governor over the remaining remnant in Judah. Gedaliah was a righteous man who sought peace and stability. However, Ishmael, a member of the royal family and seemingly driven by a combination of jealousy, political ambition, and perhaps allegiance to a rival faction, conspired to assassinate Gedaliah. Jeremiah 41:2-3 details this brutal act. Verse 4 reveals that Ishmael's subsequent actions were carried out on "the second day" after the murder, and crucially, "no man knew [it]" โ€“ indicating a calculated effort to conceal the crime and its perpetrators, likely to facilitate further schemes before news could spread or resistance could be organized.

Key Themes

  • Secrecy and Deception: The phrase "no man knew [it]" highlights Ishmael's deliberate attempt to keep the assassination and his subsequent movements hidden. This secrecy is characteristic of malicious intent, seeking to exploit ignorance for personal gain or to avoid immediate retribution.
  • Treachery and Betrayal: Ishmael's actions against Gedaliah, who was working for the welfare of the people, represent profound treachery. The continuation of his plans in secret amplifies the depth of his deceit.
  • The Unfolding of Evil: This verse shows how one wicked act (assassination) quickly leads to further calculated evil, operating under the cover of darkness. Ishmael's immediate follow-up actions, while still unknown to the wider populace, were designed to consolidate his treacherous position.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "no man knew [it]" simply yet powerfully conveys the element of stealth. The Hebrew phrase, ื•ึฐืึดื™ืฉื ืœึนื ื™ึธื“ึทืข (v'ish lo yada'), literally "and a man not knew," emphasizes that the knowledge of the assassination and Ishmael's subsequent presence was completely absent from public awareness. This lack of immediate knowledge was key to Ishmael's strategy for further deceit, as seen in the following verses where he intercepts a group of pilgrims, exploiting their ignorance.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 41:4 serves as a stark reminder of how evil often thrives in secrecy and deception. Just as Ishmael operated in the dark, seeking to hide his deeds, so too do many destructive forces, whether personal sins or broader societal injustices, attempt to conceal themselves. This verse can prompt reflection on the importance of transparency and truth, and the dangers of hidden motives or actions. Ultimately, while humans may not know, nothing is hidden from God, who sees all things, whether done in secret or in plain sight.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 27:11 (2 votes)

    And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring [tidings] to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so [will be] his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.

  • Psalms 52:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ To the chief Musician, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God [endureth] continually.

  • Psalms 52:2 (2 votes)

    Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.