Jeremiah 40:15

Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah. "Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah," he said. "No one will know it. Why should he take your life and scatter all the people of Judah who have gathered to you, so that the remnant of Judah would perish?"

Study Bible

Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah.
Johanan, a military leader, approaches Gedaliah, the appointed governor of Judah by the Babylonians. Mizpah, a significant location in Benjamin, served as a center of administration after Jerusalem's fall. This private conversation indicates the sensitive nature of the topic, reflecting the political tension and instability following the Babylonian conquest.

“Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah,” he said.
Ishmael, of royal lineage, posed a threat to Gedaliah's leadership. Johanan's proposal to assassinate Ishmael highlights the prevalent use of political assassination in ancient Near Eastern politics. This reflects the desperate measures considered to maintain order and prevent further chaos in the already devastated Judah.

“No one will know it.
Johanan assures secrecy, suggesting a covert operation to prevent public unrest. This reflects the clandestine nature of political maneuvers in ancient times, where leaders often resorted to secretive actions to secure their positions and protect their people.

Why should he take your life and scatter all the people of Judah who have gathered to you,
Johanan expresses concern for Gedaliah's safety and the potential dispersion of the Jewish remnant. This highlights the fragile unity among the survivors in Judah and the importance of Gedaliah's leadership in maintaining stability. The scattering of the people would further weaken the already diminished community.

so that the remnant of Judah would perish?”
The remnant refers to those who survived the Babylonian conquest and exile. Johanan's fear of their destruction underscores the precarious situation of the Jewish people post-exile. This concern for the remnant echoes throughout the prophetic literature, emphasizing God's ongoing plan for His people despite their dire circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Johanan son of Kareah
A military leader who was loyal to Gedaliah and concerned for his safety. He proposed a preemptive strike against Ishmael to protect the remnant of Judah.

2. Gedaliah
Appointed governor over the cities of Judah by the Babylonians after the fall of Jerusalem. He was a key figure in maintaining order and peace among the remaining Jews.

3. Ishmael son of Nethaniah
A member of the royal family who harbored ambitions against Gedaliah, leading to a conspiracy to assassinate him.

4. Mizpah
A city in Benjamin where Gedaliah set up his administration. It became a center for the remnant of Jews left in the land after the Babylonian conquest.

5. The Remnant of Judah
The Jews who remained in the land after the Babylonian exile, representing the hope for the continuation of the Jewish community in their homeland.

Teaching Points

Discernment and Leadership
Leaders must exercise discernment and wisdom, especially when faced with potential threats. Gedaliah's failure to heed Johanan's warning serves as a cautionary tale.

The Importance of Counsel
Seeking and considering wise counsel is crucial. Johanan's advice, though not heeded, was intended to protect and preserve the community.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Even in the face of human schemes and conspiracies, believers are reminded to trust in God's overarching plan and justice.

Community and Responsibility
The remnant of Judah depended on Gedaliah's leadership. This highlights the responsibility leaders have towards their communities.

The Consequences of Inaction
Gedaliah's inaction led to devastating consequences, reminding us of the importance of timely and decisive action in the face of evil.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Johanan's approach to Gedaliah about addressing potential threats within a community?

2. How does Gedaliah's response to Johanan's warning reflect on his leadership qualities, and what can we learn from this for our own leadership roles?

3. In what ways does the account of Gedaliah and Ishmael illustrate the importance of seeking and heeding wise counsel, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?

4. How does the concept of a "remnant" in Jeremiah 40:15 connect to other biblical themes of preservation and hope, and what does this mean for us today?

5. Reflect on a time when inaction led to negative consequences in your life. How might the lessons from Jeremiah 40:15 guide you in future decision-making?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 25:22-26
Provides a historical account of Gedaliah's appointment and the subsequent events, including Ishmael's conspiracy.

Jeremiah 41
Details the outcome of Johanan's warning and the tragic events that followed, highlighting the consequences of Gedaliah's decision.

Proverbs 27:12
Offers wisdom on the prudence of foreseeing danger and taking refuge, which relates to Johanan's warning to Gedaliah.

Psalm 37:12-15
Speaks to the schemes of the wicked and God's ultimate justice, relevant to Ishmael's plot against Gedaliah.