Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Ishmael also killed all the men of Judah who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Babylonian soldiers who were there. New Living Translation Ishmael also killed all the Judeans and the Babylonian soldiers who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah. English Standard Version Ishmael also struck down all the Judeans who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldean soldiers who happened to be there. Berean Standard Bible Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Ishmael also struck down all the Jews who were with him, that is, with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, the men of war. New American Standard Bible Ishmael also struck and killed all the Jews who were with him, that is with Gedaliah in Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, the men of war. NASB 1995 Ishmael also struck down all the Jews who were with him, that is with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, the men of war. NASB 1977 Ishmael also struck down all the Jews who were with him, that is with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, the men of war. Legacy Standard Bible Ishmael also struck down all the Jews who were with him, that is with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldeans who were found there, the men of war. Amplified Bible Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were [at the banquet] with Gedaliah at Mizpah, in addition to the Chaldean soldiers who were there. Christian Standard Bible Ishmael also struck down all the Judeans who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there. Holman Christian Standard Bible Ishmael also struck down all the Judeans who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version Then they killed the Jews who were with Gedaliah, and they also killed the Babylonian soldiers who were there. English Revised Version Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him, even with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans that were found there, even the men of war. GOD'S WORD® Translation Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah as well as the Babylonian soldiers that he found there. Good News Translation Ishmael also killed all the Israelites who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah and the Babylonian soldiers who happened to be there. International Standard Version Ishmael also struck down all the Judeans who were with him (that is, with Gedaliah) at Mizpah, along with the Chaldean soldiers who were found there. NET Bible Ishmael also killed all the Judeans who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah and the Babylonian soldiers who happened to be there. New Heart English Bible Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with him, with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, the men of war. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIshmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there. World English Bible Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldean men of war who were found there. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd all the Jews who have been with him, with Gedaliah, in Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who have been found there—the men of war—Ishmael has struck. Young's Literal Translation 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. Smith's Literal Translation And all the Jews which were with him with Gedaliah in Mizpeh, and the Chaldeans which were found there with the men of war, Ishmael smote. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIsmahel slew also all the Jews that were with Godolias in Masphath, and the Chaldeans that were found there, and the soldiers. Catholic Public Domain Version Likewise, Ishmael struck down all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, with the Chaldeans who were found there, and the men of war. New American Bible Ishmael also killed all the Judahites of military age who were with Gedaliah and the Chaldean soldiers stationed there. New Revised Standard Version Ishmael also killed all the Judeans who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldean soldiers who happened to be there. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIshmael also slew all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah and the Chaldeans who were found there and the men of war. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Ishmayl killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah in Metspaya and the Chaldeans who were found there, also the men warriors OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him, even with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans that were found there, even the men of war. Brenton Septuagint Translation and all the Jews that were with him in Massepha, and all the Chaldeans that were found there. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Assassination of Gedaliah…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,… Cross References 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. Jeremiah 40:14 and said to him, “Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them. 2 Samuel 3:27 When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. 2 Samuel 20:10 Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri. 2 Kings 25:23-24 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 40:8-9 they 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. / Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore an oath to them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you. 2 Kings 25:26 Then all the people small and great, together with the commanders of the army, arose and fled to Egypt for fear of the Chaldeans. 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 42:1-3 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 43:5-7 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. / So they entered the land of Egypt because they did not obey the voice of the LORD, and they went as far as Tahpanhes. Matthew 2:16 When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— Matthew 23:35 And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Luke 11:51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation. Acts 2:23 He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. Treasury of Scripture 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. See on ver. Jeremiah 41:11,12 But when Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were with him, heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done, … 2 Kings 25:25 But it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at Mizpah. Ecclesiastes 9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. Jump to Previous Babylonian Chaldaean Chalde'an Chaldeans Death Found Gedaliah Gedali'ah Ishmael Ish'mael Jews Killed Mizpah Slew Smitten Soldiers Struck War WitJump to Next Babylonian Chaldaean Chalde'an Chaldeans Death Found Gedaliah Gedali'ah Ishmael Ish'mael Jews Killed Mizpah Slew Smitten Soldiers Struck War WitJeremiah 41 1. Ishmael, treacherously killing Gedaliah and others, 7. purposes with the residue to flee unto the Ammonites. 11. Johanan rescues the captives, and is minded to flee into Egypt. Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah This phrase highlights the treachery of Ishmael, a member of the royal family, who assassinated Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians. Gedaliah was a symbol of hope and stability for the remnant of Judah after the Babylonian conquest. Mizpah, located in the territory of Benjamin, became the administrative center after Jerusalem's destruction. The murder of these Jews signifies a betrayal not only of Gedaliah but also of the fragile peace and order that had been established. This act of violence reflects the internal strife and political instability among the Jewish people during this period. It also underscores the theme of rebellion against God's appointed leaders, a recurring issue in Israel's history. as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there Persons / Places / Events 1. IshmaelA member of the royal family and one of the captains of the forces who was aligned against Gedaliah. He was a descendant of the royal line of David and was motivated by political ambition and possibly personal vendetta. 2. Gedaliah Appointed by the Babylonians as governor over the cities of Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem. He was known for his efforts to bring stability and peace to the region. 3. Mizpah A city in the territory of Benjamin, which became the administrative center under Gedaliah's governance after the fall of Jerusalem. 4. The Jews with Gedaliah These were the remnant of the people of Judah who had not been exiled to Babylon and were under Gedaliah's leadership. 5. The Chaldean Soldiers Babylonian soldiers stationed in Mizpah to support Gedaliah's administration and maintain order in the region. Teaching Points The Consequences of Ignoring WarningsGedaliah's failure to heed the warning about Ishmael's intentions led to disaster. We must be attentive to wise counsel and discernment in our lives. The Dangers of Ambition and Betrayal Ishmael's actions were driven by ambition and betrayal, reminding us of the destructive power of unchecked desires and the importance of integrity. The Impact of Leadership The assassination of Gedaliah led to chaos and fear among the people. Good leadership is crucial for stability and peace, both in biblical times and today. Trust in God's Sovereignty Despite the turmoil, God's plans for His people continued. We can trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem dire. The Importance of Community and Unity The division and violence in this passage highlight the need for unity and community among God's people. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 41:3?2. How does Jeremiah 41:3 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands? 3. What can we learn about the nature of betrayal from Jeremiah 41:3? 4. How does Jeremiah 41:3 connect with the theme of justice in the Bible? 5. In what ways can we guard against treachery in our own lives today? 6. How should believers respond to acts of violence, as seen in Jeremiah 41:3? 7. Why did Ishmael kill Gedaliah and the Jews in Jeremiah 41:3? 8. How does Jeremiah 41:3 reflect on God's protection over His people? 9. What historical context led to the events in Jeremiah 41:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 41? 11. Jeremiah 40 (especially verses 13-16) - Are there any external accounts to corroborate or challenge the internal conflicts hinted at, particularly with Ishmael's faction? 12. If there is no external record or archaeological evidence for Ishmael's assassination of Gedaliah, how can we confirm its historicity? (Jeremiah 41:1-3) 13. How does this account align with or contradict the parallel narrative in 2 Kings 25:22-26 regarding Gedaliah's murder? 14. Can the pit allegedly attributed to King Asa (Jeremiah 41:9) be historically verified, or does this contradict known archaeological data? What Does Jeremiah 41:3 Mean Ishmael also killedJeremiah records that “Ishmael son of Nethaniah… rose up and struck down Gedaliah” (Jeremiah 41:2). Verse 3 adds the wider scope of his violence. • Ishmael was of royal blood (Jeremiah 41:1; 2 Kings 25:25), resentful that Nebuchadnezzar had appointed Gedaliah, not a Davidic prince, to govern the remnant (Jeremiah 40:13–15). • His action was premeditated rebellion against both the Babylonian empire and God’s prophetic word, which had called Judah to submit peacefully (Jeremiah 27:12–15; 38:17–18). • By choosing murder, Ishmael aligned himself with the line of kings who “shed innocent blood” (Jeremiah 22:3, 17) rather than with the obedient remnant. all the Jews The violence did not stop with Gedaliah; Ishmael “killed all the Jews” in the immediate entourage. • These men had gathered under Gedaliah’s promise of safety (Jeremiah 40:9–12). Their deaths underscore the high cost of rejecting God’s protective order. • The phrase “all the Jews” emphasizes totality—no one present escaped. Compare similar judgments in Jeremiah 39:6 and 2 Kings 25:7, where royal family members were wiped out, showing how sin can bring devastating completeness. • God had kept a faithful remnant alive through siege and exile, yet internal treachery now threatened that fragile community (Jeremiah 42:2). who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah The location matters. • Mizpah became Judah’s administrative center after Jerusalem’s fall (Jeremiah 40:8–10). Prophets such as Samuel had earlier used Mizpah for covenant renewal (1 Samuel 7:5–8), making the bloodshed there tragically ironic. • Gedaliah embodied hope for rebuilding (Jeremiah 40:6). Killing those “with” him shattered unity among survivors and fueled fear that led many to plan flight to Egypt (Jeremiah 41:17; 42:14). • The episode illustrates Proverbs 14:34—“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people”—as trust collapsed and national disgrace deepened. as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there Ishmael did not spare Babylonian troops stationed to support Gedaliah. • Babylon’s small garrison symbolized imperial oversight (Jeremiah 40:9). Eliminating them provoked inevitable retaliation (Jeremiah 52:26–27). • This act mirrored the earlier folly of Judah’s kings in resisting Babylon contrary to God’s directive (Jeremiah 29:4–7). • The killing of foreigners under covenant protection violated passages such as Exodus 22:21 and Jeremiah 29:7, where God commands fair treatment of sojourners—even occupying powers when ordained by Him. • Ishmael’s alliance with Baalis king of the Ammonites (Jeremiah 40:14) shows how rebellion often partners with external enemies against God’s plan. summary Jeremiah 41:3 highlights calculated treachery that wiped out faithful Jews and Babylonian soldiers alike. Ishmael’s murders rejected God’s prophetic call to submit, shattered the fragile remnant’s stability, and invited further judgment. The verse warns that disregarding God-ordained authority and shedding innocent blood bring communal ruin, while obedience, even under difficult circumstances, secures God’s protective favor. (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 Chaldaean 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.Verse 3. - The Chaldeans. Gedaliah's Chaldean bodyguard. And the men of war; rather, even the men of war. Jewish as well as Chaldean warriors are meant; the non-military Jews, including the prophet, were carried away captive (see vers. 10,16).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ishmaelיִשְׁמָעֵֽאל׃ (yiš·mā·‘êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3458: Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelites also killed הִכָּ֖ה (hik·kāh) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the Jews הַיְּהוּדִ֗ים (hay·yə·hū·ḏîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3064: Jews -- Jewish who אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that were הָי֨וּ (hā·yū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be with אִתּ֤וֹ (’it·tōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among Gedaliah גְּדַלְיָ֙הוּ֙ (gə·ḏal·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1436: Gedaliah -- 'Yah is great', three Israelites at Mizpah, בַּמִּצְפָּ֔ה (bam·miṣ·pāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4709: Mizpah -- the name of several places in Israel as well as the Chaldean הַכַּשְׂדִּ֖ים (hak·kaś·dîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3778: Chaldeans -- a region of southern Babylon and its inhab soldiers הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war who אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that were there. שָׁ֑ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither Links Jeremiah 41:3 NIVJeremiah 41:3 NLT Jeremiah 41:3 ESV Jeremiah 41:3 NASB Jeremiah 41:3 KJV Jeremiah 41:3 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 41:3 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 41:3 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 41:3 French Bible Jeremiah 41:3 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 41:3 Ishmael also killed all the Jews who (Jer.) |
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