The 41st chapter of the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah recounts very specific historical events. As is well known, prior to the Babylonian conquest, many prophets, including Jeremiah, proclaimed that the impending Babylonian captivity would be the result of the iniquities of God's people and, at the same time, a means of their purification...
The 41st chapter of the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah recounts very specific historical events. As is well known, prior to the Babylonian conquest, many prophets, including Jeremiah, proclaimed that the impending Babylonian captivity would be the result of the iniquities of God's people and, at the same time, a means of their purification. For those who would submit to the king of Babylon as an instrument of purification, the captivity would become an opportunity for renewal in faith and a renewal of their relationship with God. Considering this to be the primary and, in essence, the sole value, the prophets exhorted the people to surrender "under the hand" of the king of Babylon. However, the rulers of the Kingdom of Judah at that time fiercely opposed such an understanding of events; the prophet Jeremiah was cast into a pit as a renegade, a traitor to the motherland, and a defeatist.
Having captured Jerusalem, the Babylonians took a portion of the people into captivity. Those who posed no threat from their perspective (including Jeremiah) were left in the half-ruined Jerusalem. Gedaliah, a man of noble birth, was appointed as governor to rule Judea on behalf of the king of Babylon. However, among the Jews remaining in the country, there was a number of "ultra-patriots" who believed that Babylonian rule could not be tolerated, and that national prestige demanded a struggle at any cost, even a struggle against the yoke sent by God. They sought to raise a rebellion and appeal to Egypt for help, so that a "limited contingent" of Egyptian troops would be brought into Judea. Throughout the centuries, many prophets had warned against such a policy, as it typically ran contrary to the commandments of God and was rooted in a lack of trust in Him.
One way or another, the patriots, led by Ishmael, shattered the fragile peace established in Judea under Gedaliah, just as the country had barely begun to heal the wounds of war. They murdered Gedaliah and many individuals whom they deemed collaborators, and raised a rebellion against Babylon. The rebellion was brutally suppressed, Jerusalem was utterly destroyed, and new caravans of captives were led away to Babylon. The leaders of the rebellion themselves fled to Egypt, forcibly taking the prophet Jeremiah with them. According to ancient tradition related by Tertullian, the prophet was murdered in Egypt by the rebellious Jews.
It is about the beginning of this rebellion and the godless cruelty of the rebels that the 41st chapter of the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah recounts.
40 Jeremiah being set free by Nebuchadnezzar, goes to Gedaliah, Jer 40:1-6.
to whom the remaining Jews repair, Jer 40:7-12.
Johanan revealing Ishmael's conspiracy, is not believed, Jer 40:13-16.
40:1 Ramah - Ramah was a city in the tribe of Benjamin near Gibeon. Babylon - Jeremiah was by mistake and expressly contrary to the king's orders carried amongst the other prisoners; probably the captain of the guard at that place called over his prisoners, and among them found the prophet contrary to his expectation.
40:5 Now - Jeremiah before he was gone out of the presence of Nebuzar - adan, declaring that he was more inclined to stay in his own country, Nebuzar - adan bid him, Go back.
40:8 Ishmael - It is likely these were commanders of parties, which either were within the city 'till it was taken, and then escaped, or where somewhere in the country, and not so much regarded by the Chaldeans, who were more intent upon the conquest of the city, than pursuing these little parties.
40:10 I will dwell - I have choice made of Mizpah, a city upon the frontiers, to make my residence, it being a convenient place for me to receive orders from the king of Babylon. But ye - Gather such fruits as the country affords, as you use to do in the times of peace.
40:12 Returned - Probably upon the king of Babylon's first invading Judah, many fled, and more as he went on his conquests, over - running the country; and it is likely at the taking of the city, many escaped, and fled into several countries, as they had opportunity, or judged this or that country would be safest; some fled to Moab, some to Ammon some to Edom, some one way, and some another: but when they heard that the king of Babylon had set a governor of their own religion and country over them, they came back to him; and there being few people left in the land, which was wonderfully fruitful, they gathered plenty of grapes, and other summer fruits.
40:13 Moreover - They had been with him before, but now they come to discover a conspiracy against his life.
41 Ishmael, under a colour of friendship kills Gedaliah and others, both Jews and Chaldeans, Jer 41:1-9.
He purposes to carry the residue captive to the Ammonites, but they are rescued from him by Johanan, who intends to flee into Egypt, Jer 41:10-18.
41:1 Now - Three months after the city was taken. Ishmael - The same Ishmael that came to Gedaliah, ver. Jer 41:8-9, to whom he sware protection; only here we are told he was of the royal blood, which might both raise his spirits, as having a more legal pretence to the government, and rendered him a fitter instrument, for Baalis the king or queen of the Ammonites to make use of. The princes - Some of the princes, who had escaped the army of the king of Babylon.
41:3 Slew - All those who were about the court of Gedaliah.
41:4 No man - No man who lived at any distance from Mizpah.
41:5 There came men - Who possibly had not heard of the temple being burnt. Cut themselves - With all indications of mourning used in those countries.
41:8 He forebare - His covetousness prevailed over his cruelty.