Jeremiah 41:3
Jeremiah 41:3 in Multiple Translations
Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there.
Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him, even with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans that were found there, and the men of war.
Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him, to wit, with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans that were found there, the men of war.
And Ishmael put to death all the Jews who were with him, even with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldaean men of war.
Ishamel also killed all the other Judeans who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, along with the Babylonian soldiers there.
Ishmael also slewe all the Iewes that were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and all the Caldeans that were found there, and the men of warre.
And all the Jews who have been with him, with Gedaliah, in Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who have been found there — the men of war — hath Ishmael smitten.
Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldean men of war who were found there.
Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him, even with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans that were found there, and the men of war.
Ismahel slew also all the Jews that were with Godolias in Masphath, and the Chaldeans that were found there, and the soldiers.
Ishmael and the other men also killed all the Jews and the soldiers from Babylonia who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 41:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 41:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵ֣ת
כָּל
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֗ים
אֲשֶׁר
הָי֨וּ
אִתּ֤/וֹ
אֶת
גְּדַלְיָ֨הוּ֙
בַּ/מִּצְפָּ֔ה
וְ/אֶת
הַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֖ים
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
נִמְצְאוּ
שָׁ֑ם
אֵ֚ת
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
הִכָּ֖ה
יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל
וְ/אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֗ים
Yᵉhûwdîy
H3064
of Judah
Art | Ngmpa
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הָי֨וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אִתּ֤/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
גְּדַלְיָ֨הוּ֙
Gᵉdalyâh
H1436
Gedaliah
N-proper
בַּ/מִּצְפָּ֔ה
Mitspâh
H4709
Mizpah
Prep | N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֖ים
Kasdîy
H3778
Chaldea
Art | N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נִמְצְאוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
שָׁ֑ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Art | N-fs
הִכָּ֖ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל
Yishmâʻêʼl
H3458
Ishmael
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 41:3
וְ/אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֗ים
Yᵉhûwdîy
H3064
"of Judah"
Art | Ngmpa
This term refers to people from the tribe of Judah, including Judah himself, who was the son of Israel and Leah. It is used to describe the descendants of Judah, who are also known as Jews.
Definition: People descended from Judah, living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.35; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); married to Bath-shua (H1323I) and Tamar (H8559); father of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209), Shelah (H7956), Perez (H6557) and Zerah (H2226I) Group of ye.hu.dah (יְהוּדָה "Judah" H3063) § Jew
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Jew. See also: 2 Kings 16:6; Esther 8:17; Jeremiah 32:12.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הָי֨וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אִתּ֤/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
גְּדַלְיָ֨הוּ֙
Gᵉdalyâh
H1436
"Gedaliah"
N-proper
Gedaliah was the name of several Israelites, including a son of Jeduthun and a governor of Judea. One Gedaliah was the son of Pashur, a chief of Jerusalem during the time of Jeremiah. His name means 'Jehovah is great'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1; son of: Amariah (H0568O); father of: Cushi (H3569H) § Gedaliah = "Jehovah is great" 1) a son of Jeduthun in the time of David 2) governor of Judea 3) son of Pashur, one of the chiefs of Jerusalem in the time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Gedaliah. See also: 2 Kings 25:22; Jeremiah 40:12; Jeremiah 38:1.
בַּ/מִּצְפָּ֔ה
Mitspâh
H4709
"Mizpah"
Prep | N-proper
Mitspah means watchtower, referring to a place in Palestine near Mount Hermon. It appears in the Bible as a location. The name is associated with a place of observation.
Definition: § Mizpah = "watchtower" a place near Mount Hermon
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Mitspah. (This seems rather to be only an orthographic variation of H4708 (מִצְפֶּה) when 'in pause'.) See also: Genesis 31:49; 1 Samuel 10:17; Jeremiah 40:10.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֖ים
Kasdîy
H3778
"Chaldea"
Art | N-proper
Chaldea refers to a region in Mesopotamia and its inhabitants, known for wisdom and astrology, as seen in Daniel 1:4. The Chaldeans lived near the Persian Gulf and were considered wise. They are mentioned in 2 Kings 25:11.
Definition: § Chaldea or Chaldeans = "clod-breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. See also: Genesis 11:28; Jeremiah 37:13; Isaiah 13:19.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נִמְצְאוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
שָׁ֑ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Art | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
הִכָּ֖ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל
Yishmâʻêʼl
H3458
"Ishmael"
N-proper
Ishmael means God will hear, and refers to Abraham's son with Hagar, as well as several other Israelites. He is mentioned in Genesis and Ezra. Ishmael is considered the progenitor of the Arabian peoples.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.22 § Ishmael = "God will hear" 1) son of Abraham and Sarah's handmaid Hagar and the progenitor of the Arabian peoples 2) son of Nethaniah and the murderer of Gedaliah 3) a Benjamite, one of the sons of Azel a descendant of Saul through Meribbaal or Mephibosheth 4) a Judaite, father of Zebadiah 5) a Judaite, son of Johanan and one of the captains who aided Jehoiada in restoring Joash to the throne 6) a priest of the family of Pashur with a foreign wife whom he was forced to put away by Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Ishmael. See also: Genesis 16:11; 2 Chronicles 19:11; Jeremiah 40:8.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 41:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 41:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 41:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 41:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:3
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 41:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:3
Context — The Murder of Gedaliah
1In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family and one of the king’s chief officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah, and they ate a meal together there.
2Then Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him got up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed to govern the land.
3Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there.
4On the second day after the murder of Gedaliah, when no one yet knew about it, 5eighty men who had shaved off their beards, torn their garments, and cut themselves came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, carrying grain offerings and frankincense for the house of the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 25:25 | In the seventh month, however, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family, came with ten men and struck down and killed Gedaliah, along with the Judeans and Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah. |
| 2 | Lamentations 1:2 | She weeps aloud in the night, with tears upon her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 41:11–12 | When Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the armies with him heard of all the crimes that Ishmael son of Nethaniah had committed, they took all their men and went to fight Ishmael son of Nethaniah. And they found him near the great pool in Gibeon. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 9:18 | Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. |
Jeremiah 41:3 Summary
This verse tells us that Ishmael killed not only Gedaliah, but also all the Jews and Chaldean soldiers who were with him at Mizpah. This act of violence shows how quickly things can fall apart when we turn away from God and His ways, as seen in Jeremiah 2:13 and Hosea 8:7. It also reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking His guidance, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10. By looking to God and His Word, we can find peace and wisdom, even in difficult times, as seen in Philippians 4:6-7 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ishmael kill the Jews and Chaldean soldiers with Gedaliah?
Ishmael's motivations are not explicitly stated, but it can be inferred that he sought to eliminate any potential opposition to his own power and influence, as seen in Jeremiah 41:1-2, where he kills Gedaliah, the one appointed by the king of Babylon to govern the land, and in Jeremiah 40:14, where he conspires against Gedaliah.
Who were the Chaldean soldiers mentioned in this verse?
The Chaldean soldiers were likely part of the Babylonian army that had been left in Judah to maintain order and protect the newly appointed governor, Gedaliah, as seen in Jeremiah 40:7, where the captains of the armies come to Gedaliah at Mizpah.
What is the significance of Mizpah in this context?
Mizpah was a key location in Judah where Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the king of Babylon, had established his base of operations, as seen in Jeremiah 40:6, and it is here that Ishmael carries out his treacherous acts, highlighting the instability and chaos of the time, reminiscent of the turmoil described in Jeremiah 4:20 and Lamentations 1:1-2.
How does this event relate to the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecy?
This event is part of the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies regarding the judgment and destruction of Judah, as seen in Jeremiah 1:10 and Jeremiah 25:8-11, where God declares that He will bring judgment on Judah and the surrounding nations, including Babylon, as described in Jeremiah 50 and 51, and Ezekiel 26:7-28:26, and also in Daniel 5:31, where the Medo-Persian empire conquers Babylon, and in Isaiah 13:1-22, where the fall of Babylon is prophesied.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from Ishmael's actions about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 46:10?
- How does this event illustrate the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection, as seen in Psalm 32:10 and Jeremiah 29:11-13?
- What role does loyalty and faithfulness play in this story, and how can we apply these principles to our own relationships and decisions, as seen in Ruth 1:16-17 and Hebrews 13:5-6?
- In what ways does this verse highlight the need for discernment and wisdom in our interactions with others, especially in situations where there may be hidden agendas or motives, as seen in Matthew 10:16 and 1 Corinthians 10:12-13?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 41:3
Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him, [even] with Gedaliah, at Mizpah,.... Not only those that were at table, but that were in the city also.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 41:3
Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him, even with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans that were found there, and the men of war.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:3
It appeareth from , that by all the Jews here must be understood only all those who were about the court of Gedaliah, for it is there said that he carried away many that were with him.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:3
Jeremiah 41:3 Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him, [even] with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans that were found there, [and] the men of war.Ver. 3. Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him.] Not the Chaideans only. His sword knew no difference; but, being fleshed in blood, he killed all that came in his way. And the rather that his wickedness might not be noticed - mortui non mordent - but that he might carry on his bloody design the better.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:3
(3) Ishmael also slew all the Jews. . . .—We wonder at first that ten men were able to effect so much. It does not follow, however, that the massacre went beyond the Jews and Chaldæan officers who were sharing Gedaliah’s hospitality, and they may easily have been surprised, like Gedaliah, unarmed, and in the act of feasting. Possibly, too, the ten princes may each have brought their retinue of attendants. Greek history presents two analogous massacres—that of the Persian generals by Alexander, the son of Amyntas (Herod, v. 19, 20); and that of Archias and Leontiades, the tyrants of Thebes, by Pelopidas and his associates. The massacre in this case was so complete that none escaped to tell the tale (Jeremiah 41:4). The italics in the last clause of the verse indicate that the conjunction “and” is not in the Hebrew, and that the words, “the men of war,” are in apposition with the previous clause, and limit their extent.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 41:3
3. The Jews on their return from the exile used to keep the third day of the seventh month (Tisri) as a fast in memory of Ishmael’s deed (Zechariah 7:5; Zechariah 8:19). even the men of war] Gedaliah’s body-guard. But the words are absent, probably rightly, from LXX.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:3
3. Slew all the Jews — Namely, those in the governor’s palace.