Jeremiah 40 6

Jeremiah 40:6 kjv

Then went Jeremiah unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and dwelt with him among the people that were left in the land.

Jeremiah 40:6 nkjv

Then Jeremiah went to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, to Mizpah, and dwelt with him among the people who were left in the land.

Jeremiah 40:6 niv

So Jeremiah went to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah and stayed with him among the people who were left behind in the land.

Jeremiah 40:6 esv

Then Jeremiah went to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, at Mizpah, and lived with him among the people who were left in the land.

Jeremiah 40:6 nlt

So Jeremiah returned to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah, and he lived in Judah with the few who were still left in the land.

Jeremiah 40 verses

Jeremiah 40 6 Meaning

This verse signifies Jeremiah's release and integration into the Babylonian community, marked by God's providence and his opportunity to return to his homeland with fellow exiles. It emphasizes God's sovereignty over historical events, caring for His prophet even in subjugation. The act of choosing to stay with his people highlights Jeremiah's deep loyalty and compassion, reflecting Christ's heart for humanity.

Jeremiah 40 6 Context

This verse occurs in the immediate aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians. Jeremiah, the prophet who had foretold this calamity, was freed from chains by Nebuchadnezzar's decree. He had been treated kindly by the Babylonian commander, Nebuzaradan, who offered him a choice: go to Babylon or return to the land of Judah. Jeremiah chose to return to Mizpah, where he joined the remnant of Judah under Gedaliah's governorship. Verse 6 details his action following this offer, indicating his decision to stay with his own people, even in their devastated state. The broader context is one of national catastrophe, exile, and the precarious existence of those left behind in Judea.

Jeremiah 40 6 Word Analysis

• וְעַתָּ֗ה (ve'atah): "and now" - Signals a transition to a current state or decision following preceding events.
• הִנֵּה֙ (hinneh): "behold," "look" - Draws attention to something significant, emphasizing the current situation.
• אֲנִ֣י (ani): "I" - Refers to Jeremiah himself, personalizing his decision.
• שֹׁלֵ֧חַ (sholeach): "releasing," "sending away" - In the context of Nebuzaradan, this implies freedom from confinement. In a broader sense, it's being sent forth.
• אֹתְךָ֔ (otecha): "you" - Nebuzaradan speaking to Jeremiah.
• הַיּ֛וֹם (hayyom): "today" - Emphasizes the immediacy and finality of the release.
• וְיָדֵ֣י (veyadei): "and the hand of" - Refers to the influence, power, or permission granted.
• עַבְדִּ֖י (avdi): "my servant" - Nebuchadnezzar refers to himself this way in relation to God.
• נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֥ר (Nebuchadnezzar): The Babylonian king.
• מֶֽלֶךְ־ (melech): "king" - Title for Nebuchadnezzar.
• בָּבֶ֑ל (Bavel): "Babylon" - The imperial power.
• הָיְתָ֤ה (hayetah): "has been," "was" - Indicates a past action that has led to the present.
• אֶל־ (el): "to" - Direction.
• צַדְקִיָּה֙ (Tzidkiyah): "Zedekiah" - The last king of Judah, captured and taken to Babylon.
• מֶֽלֶךְ־ (melech): "king" - Title for Zedekiah.
• יְהוּדָ֔ה (Yehudah): "Judah" - The southern kingdom.
• הֵבִ֥יא (hevì'): "brought" - Action of bringing into exile.
• אֹתְךָ֗ (otecha): "you" - Again referring to Jeremiah.
• מֵ֠יְרוּשָׁלִַ֧ם (meyrushalayim): "from Jerusalem" - The destroyed capital city.
• הֲלֹ֤א (halo): "is it not," "indeed" - Rhetorical question seeking confirmation.
• אֶל־ (el): "to."
• מִצְפָּ֖ה (Mitzpah): "Mizpah" - A gathering place for the remnant.
• נִשְׁאֲר֣וּ (nish'aru): "were left," "remained" - Referring to the Judeans remaining in the land.
• הָעָם֙ (ha'am): "the people."
• שָׂם֙ (sham): "there."
• רָ֣בוּ (ravu): "increased," "multitude" - Indicating a significant number among those left.
• גְּדַלְיָ֖ה (Gedalyah): "Gedaliah" - The appointed governor.
• בֶּן־ (ben): "son of."
• אֲחִיקָֽם (Achikam): "Ahikam" - Gedaliah's father, who previously protected Jeremiah.
• עָלָֽיו׃ (alav): "upon him," "over him" - Indicating Gedaliah's authority.
• אֲשֶׁ֧ר (asher): "whom," "who" - Relative pronoun.
• אֶת־ (et): Object marker.
• חַיָּיו֙ (chayyav): "his life."
• צִוָּֽה־ (chivvah): "commanded," "ordered."
• עָלֶ֥יךָ (aleycha): "concerning you," "upon you."
• נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֥ר (Nebuchadnezzar): "Nebuchadnezzar."
• הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (hammelech): "the king."

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Behold, I am releasing you today from the chains that are on your hands." This phrase highlights the direct action of Nebuzaradan, acting under divine permission (Jeremiah 39:11-12), freeing Jeremiah from his prior harsh treatment by Judean officials.
• "The Lord your God had promised it to you." Nebuzaradan acknowledges, perhaps in his own understanding or by relaying what he knew of Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry, God's ultimate sovereignty and foreknowledge in the prophet's release.
• "If you wish to come with me to Babylon, come..." This represents a gracious offer, presenting a path of comfort and potential favor within the empire for Jeremiah.
• "...but if you prefer to return to the land, do so." This is the freedom of choice presented, allowing Jeremiah to return to the desolated land.
• "Look, I am giving into your hand all who are with you..." This demonstrates Nebuzaradan’s authority, entrusting the remnant of the people under Gedaliah’s charge to Jeremiah’s regard, essentially signifying God’s delegation of care.
• "...settle where it seems good and right to you." This grants Jeremiah autonomy and permission to choose his residence and place of ministry.

Jeremiah 40 6 Bonus Section

The inclusion of "the Lord your God had promised it to you" is a remarkable detail. While the specific promise of this precise scenario isn't directly quoted from Jeremiah’s earlier prophecies in this exact manner, it broadly reflects God’s sustained commitment to His prophet’s protection throughout his tumultuous ministry. It suggests that Nebuzaradan might have been informed about Jeremiah’s relationship with God or that his own observation of the events led him to acknowledge a higher power at work. Jeremiah’s faithfulness in choosing to remain with the broken remnant in Judah, rather than accepting the safety of Babylon, underscores the depth of his love for his people and his prophetic burden for them, even in their darkest hour. This echoes the sentiment found in the New Testament, where believers are called to suffer with Christ and with His people.

Jeremiah 40 6 Commentary

Nebuzaradan’s directive to Jeremiah is an astonishing testament to God’s sovereign care for His prophet. Despite the complete destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of many, God’s hand is evident in the humane treatment Jeremiah receives. Nebuzaradan’s actions, speaking of Nebuchadnezzar’s command, are not just political pragmatism but seem influenced by an awareness of Jeremiah’s role, possibly seeing him as someone to be protected, not just another captive. The dual offer—a life in exile or a return to Judea—places Jeremiah at a pivotal moment, mirroring the choices faced by believers today between worldly comfort and following God's often challenging call. Jeremiah's subsequent decision (in subsequent verses) to return to his people reflects his deep compassion and unwavering commitment to God’s covenant people, demonstrating a Christ-like selflessness in solidarity with those who suffered the consequences of sin and judgment. His choice is not merely personal preference but a divine calling to minister to the broken remnant.