Jeremiah 41:8

But ten of the men among them said to Ishmael, "Do not kill us, for we have hidden treasure in the field--wheat, barley, oil, and honey!" So he refrained from killing them with the others.

Study Bible

But ten of the men among them said to Ishmael
This phrase introduces a group of ten men who are part of a larger group that Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, has captured. Ishmael was a member of the royal family and had been appointed by the king of Ammon to assassinate Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians. The number ten is often significant in the Bible, symbolizing completeness or a quorum, as seen in other contexts like the ten commandments or the ten plagues of Egypt.

“Do not kill us, for we have hidden treasure in the field—wheat, barley, oil, and honey!”
The plea of these men reveals their desperation and resourcefulness. The mention of "hidden treasure" suggests a common practice in times of war and instability, where people would hide their valuables to protect them from invaders. The specific items listed—wheat, barley, oil, and honey—were staples of the ancient Near Eastern diet and economy, indicating the wealth and sustenance these items represented. This reflects the agrarian society of ancient Judah, where such produce was vital for survival and trade.

So he refrained from killing them with the others.
Ishmael's decision to spare these men highlights his pragmatic nature, valuing the potential gain from the hidden treasures over the act of killing. This action contrasts with his earlier violence, showing a moment of restraint influenced by material gain. The sparing of these men can be seen as a temporary reprieve in the midst of the chaos following the Babylonian conquest, illustrating the unpredictable nature of human decisions in times of crisis. This moment also underscores the theme of survival and the lengths to which individuals will go to preserve their lives, a recurring theme throughout the book of Jeremiah.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ishmael
A member of the royal family and a military officer who conspired against Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians.

2. Gedaliah
The governor of Judah appointed by the Babylonians after the fall of Jerusalem, assassinated by Ishmael.

3. The Ten Men
Individuals who pleaded for their lives by offering hidden resources to Ishmael.

4. Mizpah
The location where Gedaliah was assassinated and where Ishmael carried out his treacherous acts.

5. The Field
The place where the ten men had hidden their stores of wheat, barley, oil, and honey.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Betrayal
Ishmael's actions remind us of the destructive power of betrayal and the importance of integrity.

The Value of Mercy
The ten men's plea for mercy and Ishmael's response highlight the importance of showing mercy, even when it is not deserved.

The Dangers of Greed
The offer of hidden resources to spare their lives illustrates how greed can lead to moral compromise.

Trust in God's Justice
Despite the immediate injustice, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate justice and righteousness.

The Importance of Repentance
Ishmael's account serves as a cautionary tale about the need for repentance and turning away from sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Ishmael in Jeremiah 41:8 illustrate the consequences of betrayal and deceit?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of mercy from Matthew 5:7 to our daily interactions with others?

3. How does the plea of the ten men for their lives reflect the human tendency to seek self-preservation, and how should Christians respond differently?

4. What lessons can we learn from Ishmael's actions about the dangers of greed and the importance of contentment?

5. How can we trust in God's justice when we witness or experience injustice, as seen in the events of Jeremiah 41?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 4
The account of Cain and Abel, which parallels the theme of fratricide and betrayal seen in Ishmael's actions.

Proverbs 6:16-19
Lists things the Lord hates, including shedding innocent blood, which connects to Ishmael's murderous actions.

Matthew 5:7
Jesus' teaching on mercy, contrasting Ishmael's lack of mercy with the call for believers to be merciful.

James 2:13
Discusses mercy triumphing over judgment, highlighting the importance of mercy in Christian conduct.

Psalm 37:21
Speaks of the wicked borrowing and not repaying, which can be related to Ishmael's deceitful and treacherous nature.