Jeremiah 41 3

Jeremiah 41:3 kjv

Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him, even with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans that were found there, and the men of war.

Jeremiah 41:3 nkjv

Ishmael also struck down all the Jews who were with him, that is, with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, the men of war.

Jeremiah 41:3 niv

Ishmael also killed all the men of Judah who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Babylonian soldiers who were there.

Jeremiah 41:3 esv

Ishmael also struck down all the Judeans who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldean soldiers who happened to be there.

Jeremiah 41:3 nlt

Ishmael also killed all the Judeans and the Babylonian soldiers who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah.

Jeremiah 41 verses

Jeremiah 41 3 Meaning

This verse describes a shocking act of violence by Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, who goes to Gedaliah, the appointed governor of Judah after the Babylonian conquest. Ishmael, accompanied by ten men, comes to Mizpah, the administrative center, under the guise of mourning. However, their true intention is to assassinate Gedaliah, thus fulfilling his deadly mission. The act is presented as a betrayal and a defiance of the existing fragile peace and order.

Jeremiah 41 3 Context

This verse occurs in the aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of its people. Gedaliah, a Jew who had served in King Zedekiah's court, was appointed by the Babylonians as governor of the remaining Judean population. His leadership was intended to provide stability and prevent further unrest. However, political tensions and loyalties were fractured. Ishmael, an officer of royal lineage, seemingly resented Gedaliah's appointment and perhaps harbored pro-Egyptian sympathies. The prophecy in Jeremiah 40 forewarned of trouble, and this event in chapter 41 is a direct violation of the fragile peace that Gedaliah was trying to establish, plunging the survivors into further chaos and despair.

Jeremiah 41 3 Word Analysis

• And (Hebrew: וְ - wə): A conjunction indicating continuation or sequence, linking this action directly to the preceding events.

• Ishmael (Hebrew: יִשְׁמָעֵאל - Yišmā‘ēl): Son of Nethaniah, from the royal line (mentioned in 2 Kings 25:25), indicating a potential claim or resentment over leadership. His name means "God hears."

• son (Hebrew: בֶּן - ben): Clearly identifying Ishmael’s lineage.

• of Nethaniah (Hebrew: מִנְתַּנְיָה - Mintanyāh): Indicates his father's name, linking him to a specific family line.

• and (Hebrew: וְ - wə): Another conjunctive particle.

• ten (Hebrew: עֶשֶׂר - ʿeśer): The number of men accompanying Ishmael. This signifies a small but determined group, capable of executing a swift, violent act.

• men (Hebrew: אֲנָשִׁים - ’ĕnāšîm): Generic term for males.

• with him (Hebrew: אִתּוֹ - ’ittô): Showing his associates.

• smote (Hebrew: הִכָּה - hikkâ): A strong verb for to strike, smite, kill, signifying violent action.

• Gedaliah (Hebrew: גְּדַלְיָה - Gĕdalyāh): The appointed governor, son of Ahikam. His name means "Yahweh is great."

• the governor (Hebrew: הַשָּׂר - haśśār): Refers to Gedaliah’s official position and authority granted by the Babylonians.

• and (Hebrew: וְ - wə): Connective.

• the Jews (Hebrew: אֶת־הַיְּהוּדִים - ’eṯ-ha Yĕhūdîm): The remnant population of Judah who had stayed behind, as opposed to those deported or scattered.

• who were (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר־הָיוּ - ’ăšer hāyû): Relating to their presence.

• at Mizpah (Hebrew: בְּמִצְפָּה - bəmiṣpāh): The location of the assassination, Mizpah, which had become the administrative center for the remaining Judeans.

• with him (Hebrew: אִתּוֹ - ’ittô): Referring to Gedaliah.

• and (Hebrew: וְ - wə): Connective.

• the Chaldeans (Hebrew: אֶת־הַכַּשְׂדִּים - ’eṯ-ha Kaśdîm): The Babylonian soldiers stationed at Mizpah to protect Gedaliah and the administration. Their presence highlights the extent of the treachery, as it includes attacking the occupying force.

• that were there (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר־נִמְצְאוּ־שָׁם - ’ăšer nimṣə’û šām): Indicating their specific location at the time.

• Group of words: “smote Gedaliah the governor… and the Jews… and the Chaldeans”: This sequence highlights the systematic nature of the attack. It begins with the leader, then his loyal followers among the Jews, and finally the Babylonian soldiers, indicating a comprehensive plan to eliminate authority and disrupt the governing structure, sowing maximum fear and chaos. The simultaneous killing of both Jewish companions and Babylonian guards demonstrates a total disregard for any authority, human or divine, in their act of violence.

Jeremiah 41 3 Bonus Section

Ishmael’s act is reminiscent of other instances of treachery within Israel's history, such as those found in Judges and Kings, emphasizing a recurring pattern of disloyalty and violence. His actions fulfill the prophecies of continued suffering and judgment upon Judah. The sorrow expressed by the few remaining loyal individuals underscores the tragedy. This event also serves as a historical illustration of how political instability and the spirit of rebellion can undo even the most hopeful beginnings, plunging communities into further darkness. The killing of the Chaldeans specifically would have serious repercussions, drawing the wrath of Babylon upon the remaining population.

Jeremiah 41 3 Commentary

Ishmael’s assassination of Gedaliah, along with the Jews and Chaldean soldiers at Mizpah, marks a brutal turning point in the history of post-exilic Judah. This act of perfidy was not only a personal betrayal of Gedaliah but also a violent upheaval against the fragile peace established by the Babylonians and an act of defiance against the potential for recovery. The deception used—approaching under the guise of mourning—underscores the depth of wickedness and treachery. The inclusion of the Babylonian soldiers among the victims further escalates the conflict, signaling to the Babylonian empire that the remnant in Judah was hostile, thus inviting further retribution. Ishmael’s actions led to immediate insecurity and fear, prompting the surviving Jews to flee to Egypt, rather than remain and face the inevitable Babylonian response. This event severely jeopardized any remaining hope for a stable life for the remnant in their homeland.