MPV Commentary

Whom the Remnant of Jews Repair. Johanan Warns Gedaliah of Ishmael's Conspiracy in Vain.

The word that came to Jeremiah was a new part of the book, containing prophecies to the Jews in Judea and Egypt after the taking of Jerusalem, blended with history. The prophecy does not begin until chapter 42:7, and the previous history is introductory to it.

Jeremiah was bound in chains, although released from prison (see Jeremiah 39:14), he seems to have been led away with other captives during the city's burning. It wasn't until he reached Ramah that he gained full liberty. Nebuzara-dan had his quarters at Ramah and collected the captives there before removing them to Babylon (Jeremiah 31:15). He released Jeremiah in obedience to the king's commands (Jeremiah 39:11).

The Babylonians were aware, through Jeremiah's prophecies (Jeremiah 39:11), that they were instruments of God's wrath on His people.

His address was directed to the Jews as well as to Jeremiah. God makes even heathen testify against them for their ingratitude (Deuteronomy 29:24-25).

Look well unto thee, the very words of Nebuchadnezzar's charge (Jeremiah 39:12). All the land is before you; it seems good in my sight.

When Jeremiah hesitated about going with the Babylonians, Nebuzara-dan said, "Go to Gedaliah," if you prefer staying here rather than going with me. He offered Jeremiah victuals and a present as a seasonable relief, who probably lost everything in the siege.

Mizpah was in Benjamin, northwest of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 41:5-6, 9). Jeremiah showed his patriotism and piety by remaining in his country amidst afflictions and ingratitude from the Jews. This vindicates his purity of motive in withdrawing (Jeremiah 37:12-14).

The leaders of the Jewish army had been scattered throughout the country on Zedekiah's capture (Jeremiah 52:8). Jeremiah was told to go to Gedaliah, who was a Netophathite from Netophah and a Maachathite from Maachathi.

Fear not; they were afraid of not obtaining pardon from the Chaldeans for their acts. He assured them of safety by an oath and instructed them to serve (stand before) the king of Babylon at Mizpah, which was convenient for transacting business between the two countries.

As for me, I will be responsible for serving the Chaldeans; you may freely gather your wine, fruits, and oil. He represented the burden of service as falling on him while they could enjoy their produce. The grant of vineyards to the poor (Jeremiah 39:10) gave hope to the discontented of enjoying the best fruits.

The Jews who had fled to Moab were left as a remnant (Isaiah 33:16). God tempered His vengeance so that some might be spared.

In the fields, not in the city, but scattered throughout the country (Jeremiah 40:7), Gedaliah was murdered by Ishmael. He was of the royal seed of David and envied Gedaliah's presidency, which he thought entitled to him. Therefore, he leagued himself with the ancient enemy of Judah.

Ishmael believed Gedaliah would not be punished for his acts, but this proved to be a deadly mistake (Ecclesiastes 9:16).

You speak falsely; it was a mystery of providence that God should permit the righteous to rush into the trap laid for them.