Jeremiah 40:7
New International Version
When all the army officers and their men who were still in the open country heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam as governor over the land and had put him in charge of the men, women and children who were the poorest in the land and who had not been carried into exile to Babylon,

New Living Translation
The leaders of the Judean military groups in the countryside heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam as governor over the poor people who were left behind in Judah—the men, women, and children who hadn’t been exiled to Babylon.

English Standard Version
When all the captains of the forces in the open country and their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land and had committed to him men, women, and children, those of the poorest of the land who had not been taken into exile to Babylon,

Berean Standard Bible
When all the commanders and men of the armies in the field heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land and that he had put him in charge of the men, women, and children who were the poorest of the land and had not been exiled to Babylon,

King James Bible
Now when all the captains of the forces which were in the fields, even they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed unto him men, and women, and children, and of the poor of the land, of them that were not carried away captive to Babylon;

New King James Version
And when all the captains of the armies who were in the fields, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed to him men, women, children, and the poorest of the land who had not been carried away captive to Babylon,

New American Standard Bible
Now all the commanders of the forces that were in the field, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam over the land, and that he had put him in charge of the men, women, and children, those of the poorest of the land who had not been exiled to Babylon.

NASB 1995
Now all the commanders of the forces that were in the field, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam over the land and that he had put him in charge of the men, women and children, those of the poorest of the land who had not been exiled to Babylon.

NASB 1977
Now all the commanders of the forces that were in the field, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam over the land and that he had put him in charge of the men, women and children, those of the poorest of the land who had not been exiled to Babylon.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then all the commanders of the military forces that were in the field, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam over the land and that he had appointed him over the men, women, little ones, and those of the poorest of the land who had not been exiled to Babylon.

Amplified Bible
Now when all the commanders of the forces that were [scattered] in the open country [of Judah] and their men heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land [of Judah] and had put him in charge of the men, women, and children, those of the poorest of the land who had not been exiled to Babylon,

Christian Standard Bible
All the commanders of the armies that were in the countryside—they and their men—heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land. He had been put in charge of the men, women, and children from among the poorest of the land, who had not been deported to Babylon.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When all the commanders of the armies in the field—they and their men—heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land and that he had put him in charge of the men, women, and children from the poorest of the land who had not been deported to Babylon,

American Standard Version
Now when all the captains of the forces that were in the fields, even they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed unto him men, and women, and children, and of the poorest of the land, of them that were not carried away captive to Babylon;

English Revised Version
Now when all the captains of the forces which were in the fields, even they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed unto him men, and women, and children, and of the poorest of the land, of them that were not carried away captive to Babylon;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All the army commanders and their men who were in the field heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, to govern the country and some of the country's poorest men, women, and children who had not been taken away to Babylon.

Good News Translation
Some of the Judean officers and soldiers had not surrendered. They heard that the king of Babylonia had made Gedaliah governor of the land and had placed him in charge of all those who had not been taken away to Babylonia--the poorest people in the land.

International Standard Version
All the leaders of the forces who were in the field along with their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Ahikam's son Gedaliah over the men, women, children, and the poor of the land who had not been taken into exile in Babylon.

Majority Standard Bible
When all the commanders and men of the armies in the field heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land and that he had put him in charge of the men, women, and children who were the poorest of the land and had not been exiled to Babylon,

NET Bible
Now some of the officers of the Judean army and their troops had been hiding in the countryside. They heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam to govern the country. They also heard that he had been put in charge over the men, women, and children from the poorer classes of the land who had not been carried off into exile in Babylon.

New Heart English Bible
Now when all the captains of the forces who were in the fields, even they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed to him men, and women, and children, and of the poorest of the land, of those who were not carried away captive to Babylon;

Webster's Bible Translation
Now when all the captains of the forces who were in the fields, even they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed to him men, and women, and children, and of the poor of the land, of them that were not carried away captive to Babylon;

World English Bible
Now when all the captains of the forces who were in the fields, even they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed to him men, women, children, and of the poorest of the land, of those who were not carried away captive to Babylon,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And all the heads of the forces that [are] in the field hear, they and their men, that the king of Babylon has appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land, and that he has charged him [with] men, and women, and infants, and of the poor of the land, of those who have not been removed to Babylon;

Young's Literal Translation
And all the heads of the forces that are in the field hear, they and their men, that the king of Babylon hath appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land, and that he hath charged him with men, and women, and infants, and of the poor of the land, of those who have not been removed to Babylon;

Smith's Literal Translation
And all the chiefs of the armies which were in the field, they and their men will hear, for the king of Babel appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land, and that he committed to him the men and the women and children and the poor of the land from whom they were not carried away captive to Babel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when all the captains of the army that were scattered through the countries, they and their companions, had heard that the king of Babylon had made Godolias the son of Ahicam governor of the country, and that he had committed unto him men and women, and children, and of the poor of the land, them that had not been carried away captive to Babylon:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when all the leaders of the army, who had been dispersed throughout the regions, they and their associates, had heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, governor of the land, and that he had committed to him the men, and women, and children, and the poor of the land, who had not been carried away to Babylon,

New American Bible
When the military leaders still in the field with their soldiers heard that the king of Babylon had set Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, over the land and had put him in charge of men, women, and children, from the poor of the land who had not been deported to Babylon,

New Revised Standard Version
When all the leaders of the forces in the open country and their troops heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed to him men, women, and children, those of the poorest of the land who had not been taken into exile to Babylon,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now when all the captains of the forces who were in the villages and their men heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land and had committed to him men and women and children and some of the poor of the land who had not been carried away captive to Babylon,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all the Captains of the armies that were in those towns and the men who were with them heard that the King of Babel authorized Gedaliah, son of Akhiqam, in the land, and that he delivered to him the men and the women and the children and some poor of the land, those that were not taken captive to Babel
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now when all the captains of the forces that were in the fields, even they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed unto him men, and women, and children, and of the poorest of the land, of them that were not carried away captive to Babylon;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And all the leaders of the host that was in the country, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Godolias governor in the land, and they committed to him the men and their wives, whom Nabuchodonosor had not removed to Babylon.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Gedaliah Rules in Judah
7When all the commanders and men of the armies in the field heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land and that he had put him in charge of the men, women, and children who were the poorest of the land and had not been exiled to Babylon, 8they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah son of the Maacathite—they and their men.…

Cross References
2 Kings 25:22-24
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, over the people he had left behind in the land of Judah. / When all the commanders of the armies and their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah as governor, they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan son of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah son of the Maacathite, as well as their men. / And Gedaliah took an oath before them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.”

Jeremiah 39:10
But Nebuzaradan left behind in the land of Judah some of the poor people who had no property, and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields.

Jeremiah 41:1-3
In 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. / Then 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. / Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there.

Jeremiah 42:1-6
Then all the commanders of the forces, along with Johanan son of Kareah, Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest, approached / Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes. / Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.” ...

Jeremiah 43:4-7
So Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces disobeyed the command of the LORD to stay in the land of Judah. / Instead, Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces took the whole remnant of Judah, those who had returned to the land of Judah from all the nations to which they had been scattered, / the men, the women, the children, the king’s daughters, and everyone whom Nebuzaradan captain of the guard had allowed to remain with Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, as well as Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch son of Neriah. ...

2 Chronicles 36:20-21
Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. / So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah.

Ezekiel 33:24-29
“Son of man, those living in the ruins in the land of Israel are saying, ‘Abraham was only one man, yet he possessed the land. But we are many; surely the land has been given to us as a possession.’ / Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood. Should you then possess the land? / You have relied on your swords, you have committed detestable acts, and each of you has defiled his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?’ ...

Nehemiah 1:3
And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

Lamentations 5:2-5
Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our houses to foreigners. / We have become fatherless orphans; our mothers are widows. / We must buy the water we drink; our wood comes at a price. ...

Isaiah 1:7-9
Your land is desolate; your cities are burned with fire. Foreigners devour your fields before you—a desolation demolished by strangers. / And the Daughter of Zion is abandoned like a shelter in a vineyard, like a shack in a cucumber field, like a city besieged. / Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.

Matthew 24:15-22
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), / then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. / Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. ...

Luke 21:20-24
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. / For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. ...

Acts 2:5-11
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. / And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. / Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? ...

Romans 11:1-5
I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. / God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel: / “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well”? ...

Hebrews 11:32-34
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.


Treasury of Scripture

Now when all the captains of the forces which were in the fields, even they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed to him men, and women, and children, and of the poor of the land, of them that were not carried away captive to Babylon;

all the.

Jeremiah 39:4
And it came to pass, that when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and all the men of war, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, by the gate betwixt the two walls: and he went out the way of the plain.

2 Kings 25:4,22,23
And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain…

the poor.

Jeremiah 39:10
But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

Ezekiel 33:24-29
Son of man, they that inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel speak, saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: but we are many; the land is given us for inheritance…

Jeremiah 52:16
But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left certain of the poor of the land for vinedressers and for husbandmen.

Jump to Previous
Ahikam Babylon Captains Captive Carried Children Commanders Committed Fields Forces Gedaliah Governor Heard Poor Poorest Women
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Ahikam Babylon Captains Captive Carried Children Commanders Committed Fields Forces Gedaliah Governor Heard Poor Poorest Women
Jeremiah 40
1. Jeremiah, being set free by Nebuzaradan, goes to Gedaliah.
7. The dispersed Jews repair unto him.
13. Johanan revealing Ishmael's conspiracy is not believed.














When all the commanders and men of the armies in the field heard
This phrase indicates a time of communication and transition following the Babylonian conquest of Judah. The "commanders and men of the armies" refer to the remnants of Judah's military forces who had survived the siege and were scattered in the countryside. The phrase suggests a network of communication among these groups, highlighting the importance of leadership and organization even in times of defeat. Historically, these commanders would have been guerilla leaders or local militia heads who managed to evade capture by the Babylonians.

that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land
Gedaliah's appointment by the Babylonian king, likely Nebuchadnezzar, signifies a shift in governance from a Davidic monarchy to a Babylonian-controlled administration. Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, was chosen due to his family's pro-Babylonian stance and his father's previous support of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:24). This appointment was meant to stabilize the region and ensure loyalty to Babylon. Gedaliah's role as governor was a political strategy to maintain order and prevent further rebellion.

and that he had put him in charge of the men, women, and children who were the poorest of the land
This phrase highlights the social and economic conditions post-exile. The "poorest of the land" refers to those left behind after the Babylonian deportations, primarily the lower classes who were not deemed a threat or valuable to the Babylonian empire. This demographic shift left a remnant population that was vulnerable and in need of leadership. Gedaliah's charge over them was intended to provide stability and governance, ensuring that the land remained productive and loyal to Babylon.

and had not been exiled to Babylon
The mention of those "who had not been exiled" underscores the selective nature of the Babylonian deportations, which primarily targeted the elite, skilled workers, and leaders of society. This left behind a population that was less likely to rebel and more focused on survival. Theologically, this remnant concept is significant in the biblical narrative, as it often represents hope and the potential for renewal. The idea of a faithful remnant is echoed throughout scripture, such as in Isaiah 10:20-22 and Romans 11:5, symbolizing God's ongoing covenant with His people despite judgment and exile.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Commanders of the Armies
These were leaders of the remaining military forces in Judah after the Babylonian conquest. They were responsible for the remnants of the army that had not been taken into exile.

2. Gedaliah son of Ahikam
Appointed by the king of Babylon as governor over the land of Judah. He was a Judean of noble lineage, known for his loyalty and wisdom.

3. King of Babylon
Refers to Nebuchadnezzar II, who had conquered Judah and exiled many of its inhabitants. He appointed Gedaliah as a governor to maintain order in the region.

4. The Land
Refers to the territory of Judah, which had been devastated by the Babylonian conquest, leaving only the poorest people behind.

5. The Poorest in the Land
These were the people who remained in Judah after the exile. They were not considered a threat and were left to tend the land.
Teaching Points
Leadership in Times of Crisis
Gedaliah's appointment as governor demonstrates the importance of wise and stable leadership during times of national crisis. Leaders today can learn from his example of integrity and responsibility.

God's Sovereignty in Political Affairs
The appointment of Gedaliah by a foreign king shows that God can use even non-believers to accomplish His purposes. Believers should trust in God's sovereignty over political events.

Caring for the Vulnerable
The focus on the poorest in the land reminds us of God's concern for the marginalized. Christians are called to care for the vulnerable and ensure justice and provision for them.

The Remnant's Role
The remnant left in Judah had a crucial role in maintaining the land. Similarly, believers today are called to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to them, even in difficult circumstances.(7) Now when all the captains of the forces.--A new section of the history begins, ending with the murder of Gedaliah and its sequel. in Jeremiah 41:18. The commanders of the armies that had fought against the invader in the open country found it hopeless to continue the struggle after the capture of Jerusalem. What were they to do? The king of Babylon had, by appointing Gedaliah, himself a prince of Judah, shown a disposition to treat the conquered people leniently. Could they do better than apply to him for protection?

Verses 7-12. - The Jewish fugitives resort to Gedaliah, who promises them protection as long as they are loyal to Babylon. Verse 7. - In the fields; rather, in the field; i.e. in the open country, as opposed to the towns. Men, and women, and children. Old and worn out men, helpless widows, and fatherless children. Royal princesses were among them (Jeremiah 41:10).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When all
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the commanders
שָׂרֵ֨י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

and men
וְאַנְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם (wə·’an·šê·hem)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of the armies
הַחֲיָלִ֜ים (ha·ḥă·yā·lîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

in the field
בַּשָּׂדֶ֗ה (baś·śā·ḏeh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land

heard
וַיִּשְׁמְעוּ֩ (way·yiš·mə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

that
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the king
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Babylon
בָּבֶ֛ל (bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city

had appointed
הִפְקִ֧יד (hip̄·qîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

Gedaliah
גְּדַלְיָ֥הוּ (gə·ḏal·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1436: Gedaliah -- 'Yah is great', three Israelites

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Ahikam
אֲחִיקָ֖ם (’ă·ḥî·qām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 296: Ahikam -- 'my brother has arisen', an Israelite

over the land
בָּאָ֑רֶץ (bā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

and that
וְכִ֣י ׀ (wə·ḵî)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he had put him in charge
הִפְקִ֣יד (hip̄·qîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

of the men,
אֲנָשִׁ֤ים (’ă·nā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

women,
וְנָשִׁים֙ (wə·nā·šîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

and children
וָטָ֔ף (wā·ṭāp̄)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2945: A family

[who were] the poorest
וּמִדַּלַּ֣ת (ū·mid·dal·laṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1803: Something dangling, a loose thread, hair, indigent

of the land
הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

[and]
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

had not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

been exiled
הָגְל֖וּ (hā·ḡə·lū)
Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal

to Babylon,
בָּבֶֽלָה׃ (bā·ḇe·lāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 40:7 Now when all the captains (Jer.)
Jeremiah 40:6
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