Jeremiah 41

1 of the seed royal, and the princes of the king, etc. Rather, as R.V., “of the seed royal, and [one of] the chief officers of the king, and ten men with him.”

5 from Samaria. In the reign of Josiah many persons from the Ten Tribes, who were left in the land, had attended the worship at Jerusalem; and some of these probably brought gifts for the service re-established among the ruins of the Temple.

having cut themselves. These signs of mourning were most likely adopted on account of the destruction of the city and Temple. Cutting the flesh was forbidden to the Hebrews (see Lev. xix. 28), but seems to have been practised by them.

6 weeping all along. In pretended sympathy.

8 treasures in the field. Rather, as R.V., “stores hidden in the field.” Such methods of storing grain (practicable in a dry country) in places undiscoverable save by the owners, are not uncommon in the East.

9 because of Gedaliah. R.V. has “by the side of Gedaliah.” But there are various readings.

which Asa the king had made. See note on 1 Kings xv. 22. The “pit,” although not mentioned in the history, was no doubt a part of the works, perhaps a cistern.

14 cast about. i.e., “turned about.”

17 the habitation of Chimham. Or, “the lodging-place of Chimham” (“Geruth Chimham,” R.V.), probably a khan or caravanserai: cp. Gen. xlii. 26, and note. Chimham was son of Barzillai (2 Sam. xix. 37, 38).