Assassination of Gedaliah and the Terror in Judah
Jeremiah 40:7-41:15
Jer.40.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- החילים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- ואנשיהם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
- כי: CONJ
- הפקיד: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בבל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- וכי: CONJ
- הפקיד: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ונשים: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וטף: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומדלת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מאשר: PREP+REL
- לא: PART_NEG
- הגלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- בבלה: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 25:22-26 (verbal): Direct narrative parallel in the Deuteronomistic history: the king of Babylon (via his captain) appoints Gedaliah son of Ahikam governor over those left in the land, with similar wording about the people left behind.
- Jeremiah 40:5 (verbal): Immediate internal parallel earlier in the same chapter: Nebuzaradan (the Babylonian captain) sets Gedaliah over the remnant—same event and phrasing.
- Jeremiah 41:1-3 (structural): Contiguous narrative continuation showing the consequence of this appointment—Gedaliah is murdered, which follows directly on the report that he was set over the land.
- 2 Kings 25:12-21 (thematic): Related report of the Babylonian deportations and the decision to leave some poor people in the land; parallels the social detail of ‘men, women, children, and the poor’ left behind under a Babylonian appointee.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the commanders of the forces who were in the field, and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land, and that he had entrusted to him men and women, children and the poor of the land who had not been exiled to Babylon.
- All the commanders of the forces who were in the fields and their men heard that the king of Babylon had entrusted Gedaliah son of Ahikam with the land, and had put in his charge men and women, children and the poorest of the land who had not been exiled to Babylon.
Jer.40.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- גדליה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המצפתה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וישמעאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתניהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויוחנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויונתן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושריה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תנחמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עיפי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנטפתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויזניהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המעכתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- ואנשיהם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
Parallels
- Jeremiah 41:1 (quotation): Same incident named: Ishmael son of Nethaniah comes with men to Gedaliah at Mizp and the narrative immediately describes violence—direct continuation/quotation of the persons and action introduced in 40:8.
- Jeremiah 41:8–11 (verbal): Johanan son of Kareah (the same Johanan named in 40:8) pursues Ishmael and rescues captives; the verses reuse the same cast of characters and develop the consequences of their meeting with Gedaliah.
- Jeremiah 40:5 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter: Gedaliah's appointment and the movement of remnant Israelites to Mizp—40:8 lists individuals who come to Gedaliah and fits structurally into this report of the post‑exilic remnant settling under his governorship.
- 2 Kings 25:22–26 (thematic): Parallel account in Kings of Babylonian policy after Jerusalem's fall: Gedaliah is left to govern the remnant and people are assigned to cultivate the land—provides a historical parallel to the situation and figures named in Jeremiah 40.
Alternative generated candidates
- And to Gedaliah at Mizpah came Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan, sons of Kareah, and Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah son of the Maacathite—and their men.
- They came to Gedaliah at Mizpah: Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth and the men of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah son of the Maacathite — these and their men.
Jer.40.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולאנשיהם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אל: NEG
- תיראו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- מעבוד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הכשדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- שבו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ועבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בבל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וייטב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Jeremiah 40:2-4 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel and continuation: Nebuzaradan appoints Gedaliah as governor and commands the people to remain in the land and serve the king of Babylon—same instruction and wording as v.9.
- 2 Kings 25:22-26 (structural): Independent historical parallel of the same event: the appointment of Gedaliah at Mizp and the remnant remaining in the land under Babylonian oversight.
- Jeremiah 27:12-15 (thematic): Earlier prophetic counsel that Judah must serve Nebuchadnezzar and submit to Babylon; provides the theological rationale echoed in Gedaliah’s advice to ‘serve the king of Babylon.’
- Jeremiah 29:4-7 (thematic): Letter to the exiles urging them to settle, build, and seek the welfare of the city while in foreign rule—resonates with Gedaliah’s assurance that serving Babylon and remaining in the land will bring well-being.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying, "Do not be afraid of serving the Chaldeans who are in the land; serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you."
- Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying, "Do not fear serving the Chaldeans; dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you."
Jer.40.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- במצפה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לעמד: VERB,qal,inf
- לפני: PREP
- הכשדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ואתם: CONJ+PRON,2,pl
- אספו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- יין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וקיץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- בכליכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,const+PRON,2,m,pl
- ושבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בעריכם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+2mp
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תפשתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,pl
Parallels
- Jeremiah 29:5-7 (thematic): Both passages instruct people under foreign domination to settle, cultivate the land and secure their livelihood (build houses, plant gardens / gather wine, summer fruit, oil) and seek the welfare of the place where they live.
- Ezekiel 33:7 (verbal): Uses the watchman/watchtower motif (appointment of a watchman to stand and give warning), paralleling Jeremiah’s language of remaining at a lookout/ watchtower to observe the approaching Chaldeans.
- Isaiah 21:6-8 (verbal): Imagery of a watchman on a tower watching for approaching armies closely parallels Jeremiah’s image of sitting on a lookout awaiting the coming Chaldeans.
- 2 Kings 25:22 (structural): Describes the Babylonian-appointed administration after Jerusalem’s fall (Gedaliah given authority) and the provisioning/settlement of remaining people—paralleling Jeremiah’s context of Gedaliah’s governorship and the instruction to gather provisions and return to towns.
Alternative generated candidates
- As for me, I will dwell at Mizpah to stand before the Chaldeans who come to us. But you gather wine and summer produce and oil, and put them in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that you have taken."
- "As for me," he said, "I will wait at Mizpah to stand before the Chaldeans who come to us. You, gather wine and summer produce and oil, store them in your vessels, and return to the towns you have taken."
Jer.40.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וגם: CONJ
- כל: DET
- היהודים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- במואב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובבני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובאדום: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בבל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שארית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ליהודה: PREP+PN,masc,sg
- וכי: CONJ
- הפקיד: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 25:22 (verbal): Records the same historical action: the king of Babylon appoints Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the remnant in the land of Judah (paralleling Jer 40:11’s report).
- Jeremiah 41:1 (structural): Narrative continuation: Gedaliah, who was appointed as described in Jer 40:11, is subsequently assassinated at Mizpah—the immediate consequence in the book’s storyline.
- Jeremiah 41:11-12 (thematic): Describes the flight of the people (including captains and common folk) to Egypt after Gedaliah’s murder—showing the wider communal repercussions and movement of Judeans referenced in 40:11.
- Jeremiah 42:11 (thematic): Provincial leaders’ decision to flee to Egypt (“we will flee into Egypt… and there will we dwell”) echoes the options and movements of Jews in surrounding lands and the instability following Gedaliah’s appointment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And also all the Jews who were in Moab, among the Ammonites, in Edom, and in all the countries heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant for Judah and had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan over them.
- Now all the Jews who were in Moab and among the Ammonites and in Edom and in all the countries heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant in Judah and had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan over them.
Jer.40.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- היהודים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מכל: PREP
- המקמות: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נדחו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אל: NEG
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המצפתה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויאספו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- יין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וקיץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרבה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- Jeremiah 40:11 (structural): Immediate context — Johanan and the remnant mentioned; shows movement of Jews in the same episode and motives for coming to Gedaliah at Mizpah.
- Jeremiah 40:13 (structural): Follow-up in the same narrative — describes Gedaliah’s assassination and the consequences for those who had come to Mizpah, directly connected to the return described in v.12.
- 2 Kings 25:22 (thematic): After the Babylonian conquest some of the people were left to tend vineyards and fields; parallels the agricultural activity (gathering wine and summer fruit) of those who returned to Judah.
- Ezra 1:5 (thematic): Describes Jews from various places rising up to go to Jerusalem when a leader/decree makes it possible — parallels the movement of dispersed Jews returning to the land to join Gedaliah.
- Joel 2:24 (thematic): Speaks of abundant harvests and overflowing wine vats in a time of restoration — echoes the image of gathering wine and summer fruit in great abundance in Jer 40:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the Jews returned from all the places to which they had been driven and came into the land of Judah to Gedaliah at Mizpah; and they gathered very much wine and summer produce.
- All the Jews from the towns where they had been scattered returned and came to the land of Judah to Gedaliah at Mizpah, and they gathered very much wine and summer produce.
Jer.40.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויוחנן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- החילים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המצפתה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Jeremiah 40:5 (structural): Sets the scene: Nebuchadnezzar appoints Gedaliah as governor over the remnant in the land — the institutional context for the captains’ coming to Mizpah.
- 2 Kings 25:22 (verbal): Direct parallel account of Johanan son of Kareah and the leaders coming to Gedaliah at Mizpah; closely mirrors the same event in a different narrative tradition.
- Jeremiah 40:8 (verbal): Immediate narrative continuation where Johanan and the captains speak to Gedaliah (their report/response), showing the same persons and interaction described in 40:13.
- Jeremiah 41:1–3 (thematic): Follows the outcome of the meeting at Mizpah: the assassination of Gedaliah by Ishmael and Johanan’s subsequent actions — thematically linked as the consequence of the episode described in 40:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces who were in the field came to Gedaliah at Mizpah.
- Now Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces who were in the fields came to Gedaliah at Mizpah.
Jer.40.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הידע: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- תדע: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,sg
- כי: CONJ
- בעליס: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתניה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להכתך: VERB,qal,inf,2,m,sg
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- האמין: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Jeremiah 41:1-3 (structural): Direct continuation and fulfillment of the report in 40:14: Ishmael son of Nethaniah comes to Mizpah and murders Gedaliah.
- 2 Kings 25:25-26 (structural): Parallel account of Gedaliah's assassination and its aftermath in the Deuteronomistic history.
- Psalm 41:9 (thematic): Expresses the theme of betrayal by a trusted companion — resonates with Ishmael (a fellow Judean) murdering Gedaliah at the instigation of a foreign king.
- 1 Kings 21:8-16 (thematic): Example of a ruler (Jezebel/Ahab) orchestrating a man's death through others; parallels the theme of a sovereign (Baalis) engineering an assassination via a proxy.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they said to him, "Do you not know that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to strike you down?" But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them.
- They said to him, "Do you not know that Baalis king of the Ammonites sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to put you to death?" But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them.
Jer.40.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויוחנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בסתר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במצפה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אלכה: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- נא: PART
- ואכה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- למה: ADV
- יככה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ונפצו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- הנקבצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ואבדה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- שארית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Jeremiah 40:14 (verbal): Immediate preceding verse in same episode: Johanan urges Gedaliah not to trust Ishmael and offers to strike him, echoing the secret plan and suspicion expressed in 40:15.
- Jeremiah 41:1-3 (quotation): Narrative fulfillment: Ishmael son of Nethaniah attacks at Mizpah and kills Gedaliah and the Jews gathered there, directly realizing the plot feared in 40:15.
- 2 Kings 25:25 (verbal): Parallel account in Kings: reports Ishmael's assassination of Gedaliah and the ensuing flight of survivors to Egypt, corroborating the outcome implicit in 40:15.
- Jeremiah 41:10-12 (thematic): Aftermath: Johanan pursues and defeats Ishmael and rescues captives—connects to the motives and consequences of the secret plot contemplated in 40:15.
- Jeremiah 42:7-22 (structural): Consequences and theme of dispersion: the people's flight to Egypt and Jeremiah's warning about devastation reflect the scattering and loss of the remnant feared in 40:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Johanan son of Kareah said secretly to Gedaliah at Mizpah, "Let me go and strike Ishmael son of Nethaniah; I will put him to death and no one will know it; then all the remnant of Judah who are gathered to you will disperse and perish."
- Johanan son of Kareah said to Gedaliah secretly at Mizpah, "Let me go and strike down Ishmael son of Nethaniah; I will put him to death and no one will know; then all the Jews gathered to you will disperse, and the remnant of Judah will perish."
Jer.40.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יוחנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Jeremiah 40:13-14 (structural): Immediate context: Johanan warns Gedaliah that Ishmael has conspired to kill him and urges action — the report Gedaliah calls false in 40:16.
- Jeremiah 41:1-3 (structural): Narrative continuation: Ishmael actually attacks and slays Gedaliah and others, confirming the threat Johanan reported despite Gedaliah's dismissal.
- 2 Kings 25:25-26 (allusion): Parallel Deuteronomistic account of Gedaliah’s assassination by Ishmael son of Nethaniah; an independent retelling of the same historical outcome described in Jeremiah.
- Proverbs 14:5 (thematic): Theme of true vs. false testimony: contrasts faithful witnesses and false reports; echoes the charge in 40:16 that Johanan’s report is false (shemar ‘you lie/wrong’).
Alternative generated candidates
- And Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, "Do not do this thing; you are speaking falsehood against Ishmael."
- Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, "Do not do this thing; you are falsely accusing Ishmael."
Jer.41.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בחדש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- השביעי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלישמע: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- מזרע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלוכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ורבי: CONJ
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועשרה: NUM,m,pl
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אל: NEG
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המצפתה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויאכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יחדו: ADV
- במצפה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 25:25 (verbal): Parallel report of the same event: Ishmael son of Nethaniah, of the royal line, with ten men comes and attacks Gedaliah at Mizpah (essentially the same brief account in the Deuteronomistic history).
- Jeremiah 41:2 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same narrative within Jeremiah: verse 2 recounts the actual killing of Gedaliah and the broader consequences—direct literary continuation and detail of the incident introduced in 41:1.
- 2 Samuel 4:5–8 (thematic): The murder of Ish-bosheth (a royal claimant) by conspirators while he is in his house/at a meal parallels the motif of political assassination of a royal figure by a small band, violating hospitality and communal trust.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Abner’s assassination by Joab (a rival factional killing of a leading military/political figure) provides a closely related theme of factional violence and political murder in the power struggles surrounding the throne.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass in the seventh month that Ishmael son of Nethaniah, son of Elishama, of the royal family, and ten men with him came to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah; and they ate bread together there at Mizpah.
- In the seventh month Ishmael son of Nethaniah son of Elishama, of the royal line, and men of the king — ten men with him — came to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah; they ate bread together there at Mizpah.
Jer.41.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועשרת: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl,const
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ויכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הפקיד: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בבל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Jeremiah 41:1 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel — verse 1 introduces Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the band who carried out the killing described in 41:2 (same event, contiguous context).
- Jeremiah 40:7 (verbal): Provides the background noted in 41:2: Nebuchadnezzar (the king of Babylon) had appointed Gedaliah as governor over the land; 41:2 refers back to that appointment.
- 2 Kings 25:25 (structural): Deuteronomistic parallel account of the same event — records Ishmael son of Nethaniah’s assassination of Gedaliah, confirming the historical tradition in the former prophets.
- 2 Samuel 4:5-7 (thematic): The murder of a rival/appointed leader by conspirators echoes the same pattern: a calculated assassination of a political figure (Ish-bosheth) by a small band, thematically comparable to Ishmael’s slaying of Gedaliah.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ishmael arose and the ten men who were with him and struck Gedaliah son of Ahikam with the sword, and killed him—whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.
- Then Ishmael son of Nethaniah rose up, and the ten men who were with him, and struck Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan with the sword and killed him — whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.
Jer.41.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- היהודים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- את: PRT,acc
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במצפה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- הכשדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נמצאו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,pl
- שם: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 25:25-26 (verbal): A parallel account of the same event: Ishmael son of Nethaniah kills Gedaliah and slays Jews and Babylonian soldiers at Mizpah; language and report closely correspond to Jeremiah 41.
- Jeremiah 40:14-16 (structural): Immediate internal parallel within Jeremiah: earlier/adjacent narrative material about Ishmael's attack, the deaths at Mizpah, and the fate of survivors—same episode told across Jeremiah 40–41.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): The treacherous assassination of a leading figure (Abner) by a subordinate (Joab) parallels the political murder and betrayal motif in Ishmael's slaying of Gedaliah and his followers.
- 1 Kings 21:13 (thematic): A politically motivated murder engineered to remove opposition and seize control (the killing of Naboth) parallels the motive and consequences of Ishmael’s massacre of Jews and officials at Mizpah.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ishmael struck down all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, and the men of war he struck down.
- He struck down all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, and the soldiers.
Jer.41.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- להמית: VERB,hiphil,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 25:25-26 (quotation): Parallel narrative in Kings recounts Ishmael’s assassination of Gedaliah at Mizpah; essentially the same event described from another historical source.
- Jeremiah 41:1-3 (structural): Immediate lead‑in to v.4: describes Ishmael’s conspiracy and the initial attack and captivity that precede the killing on the second day.
- Jeremiah 40:5-9 (structural): Provides background—Nebuchadnezzar’s appointment of Gedaliah as governor and the political setting in Mizpah that makes the assassination significant.
- Jeremiah 41:7-10 (thematic): Describes the aftermath of the murder (rescue of captives, further killings, and flight), showing the consequences and confirming the event’s secrecy and shock noted in v.4.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass on the second day after he had slain Gedaliah that no one knew of it.
- On the second day, after he had killed Gedaliah, no one knew.
Jer.41.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- משכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ומשמרון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמנים: NUM,card,pl,m,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מגלחי: PART,qal,ptc,m,pl,cons
- זקן: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וקרעי: CONJ+PART,qal,ptc,m,pl,cons
- בגדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומתגדדים: CONJ+PART,hitp,ptc,m,pl,abs
- ומנחה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולבונה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בידם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- להביא: VERB,hif,inf
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 30:34-38 (verbal): Prescribes the composition and use of sacred incense (frankincense/לבונה) for the sanctuary—parallels Jer 41:5's mention of frankincense being brought to the house of the LORD.
- Ezra 8:35-36 (thematic): Returnees carry burnt offerings, sin offerings and grain offerings to the house of God and hand them to the priests—similar action of people coming with offerings to the temple.
- 2 Chronicles 29:31-35 (thematic): During Hezekiah's temple-cleansing the people bring offerings and incense to the house of the LORD and the priests burn them—comparable communal presentation of sacrifices and frankincense.
- Deuteronomy 12:5-7,11-14 (structural): Commands to bring sacrifices and offerings to the designated place of worship (the LORD's chosen place) provide the legal/theological background for people from various towns bringing gifts to the central sanctuary as in Jer 41:5.
- 2 Chronicles 30:10-13 (thematic): Accounts of people from Shechem, Samaria and other northern regions coming to Jerusalem for Passover—parallels the geographic note in Jer 41:5 that men came from Shechem, Shiloh and Samaria to bring offerings.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now certain men came from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria—men of rank; each had shaved beards and torn garments and were in mourning, and they bore grain-offering and frankincense in their hands to bring to the house of the LORD.
- Now men came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria — men of standing, with shaved beards and torn garments, and with grain offerings and incense in their hands to bring to the house of the LORD.
Jer.41.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לקראתם: PREP,3,m,pl
- מן: PREP
- המצפה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ובכה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כפגש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Jeremiah 41:1-3 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel — the same episode: Ishmael son of Nethaniah comes from Mizpah, meets the people and then acts against Gedaliah; 41:6 is part of this contiguous account.
- Jeremiah 40:7 (structural): Earlier account of survivors and commanders coming to Gedaliah at Mizpah; sets the scene for the gatherings that Ishmael later intercepts in 41:6 (theme of assembling at Gedaliah).
- 2 Kings 25:23-26 (verbal): Deuteronomistic parallel: recounts Gedaliah son of Ahikam's appointment at Mizpah, the leaders coming to him, and the subsequent violence — a closely related retelling of the same events as Jeremiah 41.
- Jeremiah 52:24-27 (thematic): Parallel history of the fall of Jerusalem and its aftermath, including references to officials, captains and the dispersal/violence that follow the city's destruction — echoes the wider context for Gedaliah’s governorship and Ishmael’s actions.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ishmael went out from Mizpah to meet them, walked along weeping; and when he met them he said to them, "Come to Gedaliah son of Ahikam."
- Ishmael son of Nethaniah went out from the citadel to meet them; he walked along weeping, and when he met them he said to them, "Come to Gedaliah son of Ahikam."
Jer.41.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כבואם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- תוך: PREP
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וישחטם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתניה: NOUN_PROP,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תוך: PREP
- הבור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- והאנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
Parallels
- Jeremiah 41:2-3 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same episode: describes Ishmael son of Nethaniah killing Gedaliah and others — same event and similar wording/context.
- Jeremiah 40:14-16 (structural): Sets up the narrative context: Johanan son of Kareah and the captains’ movements and response to the assassination, which lead directly into the events recounted in 41:7.
- 2 Kings 25:25-26 (quotation): Parallel report in the Deuteronomistic history of Ishmael’s assassination of Gedaliah at Mizpah and the ensuing alarm among the people — an independent but corresponding account of the same incident.
- Genesis 37:23-24 (thematic): Shared motif of a 'pit' as the scene or instrument of violence/entrapment; evokes a common biblical trope of betrayal and murder carried out using a pit.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when they came into the midst of the city, Ishmael struck them down and cast them into the pit—he and the men who were with him.
- When they came into the midst of the city he slaughtered them and cast them into the cistern — he and the men who were with him.
Jer.41.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשרה: NUM,m,pl
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נמצאו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,pl
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אל: NEG
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תמתנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- מטמנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חטים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושערים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושמן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודבש: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויחדל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- המיתם: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg+PRON,3,pl
- בתוך: PREP
- אחיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Jeremiah 41:1-4 (structural): Immediate narrative context describing Ishmael's assault and the killing of Gedaliah and others; 41:8 continues the same episode and repeats motifs of slaughter and those who plead for mercy.
- Jeremiah 40:5-10 (thematic): Earlier stage of the same sequence: Gedaliah's appointment as governor at Mizpah and the gathering of survivors — provides background to the massacre and explains why many were present and had hidden provisions.
- 2 Kings 25:25-26 (structural): Parallel account in Kings of Gedaliah's assassination by Ishmael; corroborates the event and situates Jer.41:8 within the wider Deuteronomistic record of the aftermath of Jerusalem's fall.
- Genesis 44:18-34 (thematic): Judah's urgent plea to Joseph to spare Benjamin illustrates the widespread biblical motif of desperate appeals for life and mercy in the face of threat, similar to the ten men's request to Ishmael in Jer.41:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- But ten men were found among them; and they said to Ishmael, "Do not put us to death, for we have treasures hidden in the field—wheat, barley, oil, and honey." So he refrained and did not put them to death among their brothers.
- But ten men among them were found, and they said to Ishmael, "Do not kill us, for we have stores hidden in the field — wheat, barley, oil, and honey." So he held back and did not kill them among their brothers.
Jer.41.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והבור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- השליך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- פגרי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אסא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מפני: PREP
- בעשא: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- מלא: ADJ,m,sg
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתניהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חללים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:16-22 (structural): Describes the conflict between Asa king of Judah and Baasha king of Israel (Baasha's fortification of Ramah and Asa's countermeasures), providing the historical background for the statement that Asa made the pit because of Baasha.
- 2 Chronicles 16:1-6 (structural): Chronicles' account of Asa's dealings with Baasha (including his alliance with Ben‑Hadad and measures against Israel) supplies a parallel account explaining Asa's defensive works mentioned in Jeremiah.
- Jeremiah 40:13-16 (verbal): Nearby passage in Jeremiah that also recounts Ishmael son of Nethaniah's actions and movements after killing Gedaliah; it parallels the same event and the fate of the slain.
- Genesis 37:24 (thematic): Uses similar imagery of a 'pit' as a receptacle for human life and death (Joseph being cast into a pit), paralleling the motif of bodies thrown into a pit in Jeremiah 41:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now the pit into which Ishmael had thrown all the bodies of the men whom he had slain at Mizpah was the pit that King Asa had made for fear of Baasha king of Israel; it was filled with the slain.
- The cistern into which Ishmael cast all the bodies of the men whom he had struck down was the cistern that King Asa had made for Baasha king of Israel; Ishmael son of Nethaniah filled it with the slain.
Jer.41.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- שארית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- במצפה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- בנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הנשארים: PART,m,pl,def
- במצפה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הפקיד: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- נבוזראדן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- טבחים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- גדליהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישבם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לעבר: INF,qal
- אל: NEG
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Jeremiah 40:5 (verbal): Nebuzaradan places Gedaliah over the remnant at Mizpah — same transfer of responsibility mentioned here (’which Nebuzaradan had entrusted to Gedaliah’).
- Jeremiah 41:1-3 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Ishmael son of Nethaniah assassinates Gedaliah and seizes the remnant, leading directly to the events described in v.10.
- Jeremiah 41:11-12 (thematic): Continues the outcome of Ishmael’s action — handing over captives to the Ammonites and Johanan’s rescue of some — closely related sequence to v.10’s report of Ishmael’s movement to the Ammonites.
- 2 Kings 25:23-26 (allusion): Parallel account in Kings noting Gedaliah son of Ahikam appointed governor over the land after the Babylonian conquest; echoes the same persons and administrative arrangement referenced in Jeremiah 41:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ishmael carried off all the rest of the people who were at Mizpah—the king's daughters and all the remainder of the people who were at Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had committed to Gedaliah son of Ahikam—and Ishmael led them away and went toward the Ammonites.
- Ishmael took captive all the remnant of the people who were at Mizpah — the king's daughters and all the people who remained at Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left in the land — and Ishmael carried them away and went to the Ammonites.
Jer.41.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יוחנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- החילים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Jeremiah 41:1-3 (verbal): Immediate context: the account of Ishmael son of Nethaniah’s attack and the killing of Gedaliah — the ‘evil’ of which Johanan and the captains hear is narrated here.
- Jeremiah 41:12-16 (structural): Direct continuation: reports Johanan’s and the captains’ response after they hear what Ishmael did (rescuing captives and pursuing Ishmael), showing the consequences of the news reported in v.11.
- Jeremiah 40:13-16 (thematic): Background episode showing Johanan son of Kareah and the military leaders’ earlier interactions with Gedaliah and their role among the remnant — helps explain why their hearing of Ishmael’s deed provokes decisive action.
- 2 Samuel 4:5-12 (thematic): Parallel motif of political assassination by conspirators and the disruptive aftermath: murder of a ruler/claimant followed by wider unrest and retaliation — useful for comparing patterns of treachery and communal response.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Another example of assassination (Abner) that provokes shock, accusation, and political fallout; thematically parallels the sudden violence of Ishmael’s act and its impact on the remnant leadership.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces who were with him heard all the evil that Ishmael had done.
- When Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces who were with him heard of all the evil that Ishmael had done,
Jer.41.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- להלחם: VERB,hitp,inf
- עם: PREP
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וימצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אל: NEG
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בגבעון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Jeremiah 41:1-3 (structural): Immediate narrative context: these verses describe Ishmael son of Nethaniah's attack at Mizpah and the murder of Gedaliah, the events that precipitate the pursuit mentioned in 41:12.
- Jeremiah 41:11 (structural): Directly precedes v.12 in the same episode—states that the remnant pursued Ishmael, which is completed in v.12 when they find him by the great waters of Gibeon.
- Jeremiah 40:13-16 (verbal): An earlier account of Ishmael's movements and his seizure of captives and departure after assassinating Gedaliah; repeats key names and the pattern of murder and flight found in 41:12.
- 2 Kings 25:25-26 (allusion): Parallel royal annal reference to Ishmael son of Nethaniah murdering Gedaliah and carrying off captives—an independent summary of the same historical incident reflected in Jeremiah 41.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then they took all the men and went to fight with Ishmael; and they found him by the large pools at Gibeon.
- they took all the people and went to fight with Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and they found him by the great pool that is in Gibeon.
Jer.41.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כראות: VERB,qal,inf_abs
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- את: PRT,acc
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יוחנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- החילים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- וישמחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 4:7-12 (thematic): Murder of a rival king by conspirators (the killing of Ish-bosheth by Rechab and Baanah). Like Ishmael’s deed, this episode depicts assassins hoping for advantage and the immediate, celebratory response of the perpetrators.
- Judges 9:5-6, 22-25 (thematic): The Shechemites’ conspiracy to make Abimelech king and the violent settling of scores: a local faction carries out lethal violence and those involved or benefiting respond with joy and approval—paralleling the rejoicing of Ishmael’s men.
- Jeremiah 40:14-16 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within Jeremiah: Johanan son of Kareah and the captains hear of Ishmael’s actions and pursue him. Versus 41:13, which notes that Ishmael’s own followers were glad—this passage provides the complementary reaction and continuity in the same episode.
- 2 Kings 10:1-11 (thematic): Jehu’s violent purge of Ahab’s house and the public acclamation that follows. The account shows how political/violent overturning of leadership can be met with rejoicing by perpetrators or sections of the populace, a dynamic present in Jer. 41:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when all the people who were with Ishmael saw Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces who were with him, they rejoiced.
- When all the people who were with Ishmael saw Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces who were with him, they rejoiced.
Jer.41.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שבה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- המצפה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- יוחנן: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 25:25-26 (structural): Parallel narrative of the same episode: Ishmael son of Nethaniah murders Gedaliah at Mizpah and the resulting flight and unrest among the people (the Deuteronomic account of the event).
- Jeremiah 41:11-13 (verbal): Immediate context in the same chapter: Johanan son of Kareah pursues Ishmael, rescues some of the captives and confronts those at Mizpah — verse 41:14 is the immediate outcome of these actions.
- Jeremiah 42:1-7 (thematic): Shows the continuing fallout from Gedaliah’s assassination: the remnant’s leaders and people seek prophetic guidance and debate whether to remain or go to Egypt, reflecting the same crisis of leadership and movement of the people.
- 2 Samuel 3:20-26 (thematic): A comparable pattern in which the assassination of a leader (Abner) precipitates rapid shifts in allegiance and political realignment — thematically similar to the disorder and transfers of loyalty after Gedaliah’s murder.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the people whom Ishmael had taken captive from Mizpah turned back and returned and went to Johanan son of Kareah.
- All the people whom Ishmael had taken captive from Mizpah turned and returned and went to Johanan son of Kareah.
Jer.41.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמעאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נמלט: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
- בשמנה: PREP+NUM,card,m,sg
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מפני: PREP
- יוחנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 25:25 (quotation): Parallel narrative of Ishmael son of Nethaniah’s assassination of Gedaliah and his flight—an alternate/parallel account of the same event, including flight to the Ammonites.
- Jeremiah 41:11-12 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel in the same chapter: Johanan pursues Ishmael, but Ishmael escapes with men—directly connected to v.15's report of his fleeing to the Ammonites.
- Jeremiah 40:14-16 (thematic): Related episode describing Johanan and the captains’ removal of the remnant to Egypt after Gedaliah’s murder—shows the wider fallout and movements of fugitives following the assassination.
- Jeremiah 41:17 (structural): Direct follow-up in the chapter describing the leaders’ decision to take the remnant into Egypt out of fear of the Chaldeans—connects to Ishmael’s flight as part of the dispersal of Judah’s survivors.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Ishmael son of Nethaniah escaped from Johanan with eight men and fled to the Ammonites.
- Ishmael son of Nethaniah escaped with eight men from Johanan and went to the Ammonites.
All the commanders of the forces who were in the field and their men heard that the king of Babylon had entrusted Gedaliah son of Ahikam with the land and had placed in his charge men and women, children and the remainder of the land that had not been deported to Babylon.
They came to Gedaliah at Mizpah: Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the men of Ephai the Netophathite, and Zaccur son of Maacah — they and their men.
Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying, 'Do not fear serving the Chaldeans; dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you.'
'As for me, I will remain at Mizpah to stand before the Chaldeans who come to us. You, however, gather wine, summer fruit, and oil, put them in your vessels, and dwell in the towns you have taken.'
Moreover, all the Jews who were in Moab and among the Ammonites and in Edom, and in all the lands to which they had fled, heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant in Judah and had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan over them. So all the Jews from the outlying places where they had been scattered returned to the land of Judah to Gedaliah at Mizpah, and they gathered much wine and summer fruit. And Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders who were in the field came to Gedaliah at Mizpah.
They said to him, 'Do you not know that Baalis, king of the Ammonites, has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to strike you down?' But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them.
Johanan son of Kareah said to Gedaliah privately at Mizpah, 'Let me go and strike Ishmael son of Nethaniah — and no one will know about it — and you will rid yourself of an enemy.' But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, 'Do not do this thing, for you speak falsely against Ishmael.'
In the seventh month Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal family, and ten men with him came to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah; they ate bread together there at Mizpah.
Then Ishmael son of Nethaniah rose up, and the ten men who were with him, and struck Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan with the sword and killed the man whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.
Ishmael struck down all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, the Chaldeans who were found there, and the soldiers.
On the second day after he had struck down Gedaliah, no one knew of it. Now men came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria — bearing with them shaved heads, torn clothes, grain offerings and frankincense in their hands to bring to the house of the LORD.
Ishmael son of Nethaniah went out from the watchtower to meet them; as he walked he wept. When he met them he said to them, 'Come to Gedaliah son of Ahikam.'
As they came into the midst of the town, Ishmael slaughtered them and cast them into the cistern — he and the men who were with him.
There were ten men among those he put to death who said to Ishmael, 'Do not kill us, for we have stores hidden in the field — wheat, barley, oil, and honey.' So he held back and did not kill them among their brethren.
The cistern into which Ishmael cast all the bodies of the men he had struck down at Mizpah was the very cistern that King Asa had made to put to death the men of Baasha king of Israel; Ishmael son of Nethaniah filled it with the slain.
Ishmael carried off the rest of the people who were in Mizpah — the king's daughters and all the people remaining in Mizpah whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had entrusted to Gedaliah — and he departed to go over to the Ammonites.
When Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders who were with him heard of all the evil that Ishmael had done,
they took all their men and went to fight with Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and they found him by the large pools that are at Gibeon.
When all the people who had been taken captive by Ishmael saw Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders who were with him, they were glad.
Then all the people whom Ishmael had taken captive from Mizpah turned back and returned and went to Johanan son of Kareah. But Ishmael son of Nethaniah escaped with eight men from Johanan and went to the Ammonites.