◄ Jeremiah 40:5 ►
But before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, "Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people, or go anywhere else that seems right." Then the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him.
Study Bible
But before Jeremiah turned to go
Jeremiah, the prophet, had been freed from captivity by the Babylonians. This moment signifies a turning point in his life, as he is given the choice to decide his next steps. The phrase indicates a pause, suggesting divine intervention or guidance in his decision-making process.

Nebuzaradan added
Nebuzaradan was the captain of the Babylonian guard, a high-ranking official under King Nebuchadnezzar. His role in the narrative highlights the fulfillment of God's prophecy regarding the Babylonian conquest and the subsequent treatment of Jeremiah, who was respected by the Babylonians despite being a prisoner.

“Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan
Gedaliah was appointed governor over the remnant in Judah by the Babylonians. His lineage is significant; Ahikam had protected Jeremiah earlier (Jeremiah 26:24), and Shaphan was a scribe during King Josiah's reign, involved in the discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:3-14). This connection underscores a continuity of faithfulness to God amidst political upheaval.

whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah
The appointment of Gedaliah by the Babylonian king reflects the political strategy of the Babylonians to maintain control over conquered territories by installing local leaders. This appointment also fulfills Jeremiah's prophecies about the Babylonian exile and the governance of Judah under foreign rule (Jeremiah 27:6-7).

and stay with him among the people
Jeremiah is encouraged to remain with the remnant of Judah, symbolizing his ongoing role as a spiritual leader and prophet to the people. This phrase emphasizes the importance of community and leadership in times of crisis, as well as the prophet's continued mission.

or go anywhere else that seems right
Jeremiah is given the freedom to choose his path, highlighting the respect and trust the Babylonians had for him. This choice reflects the broader theme of free will and divine guidance, as Jeremiah's decisions are ultimately aligned with God's purposes.

Then the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him
The provision of a ration and a gift signifies respect and honor, unusual treatment for a captive. This act of kindness by Nebuzaradan can be seen as God's provision for Jeremiah, ensuring his well-being as he continues his prophetic ministry. The release marks a new chapter in Jeremiah's life, symbolizing liberation and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet of God who warned Judah of impending judgment and was later released by the Babylonians.

2. Nebuzaradan
The captain of the Babylonian guard who released Jeremiah and offered him provisions and freedom.

3. Gedaliah
Appointed by the king of Babylon as governor over the cities of Judah, representing a remnant of leadership after the exile.

4. Ahikam
Father of Gedaliah, known for protecting Jeremiah earlier in his ministry.

5. Shaphan
Grandfather of Gedaliah, a scribe during King Josiah's reign, associated with the discovery of the Book of the Law.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Adversity
Despite the destruction of Jerusalem, God orchestrates events to protect and provide for Jeremiah, demonstrating His control over all circumstances.

The Role of Leadership
Gedaliah's appointment signifies the importance of godly leadership even in times of judgment and exile.

Divine Provision
Nebuzaradan's gift to Jeremiah illustrates how God can use unexpected sources to meet our needs.

Choices in Freedom
Jeremiah's option to stay with Gedaliah or go elsewhere highlights the responsibility of making wise decisions when given freedom.

Legacy of Faithfulness
The mention of Ahikam and Shaphan underscores the impact of a family legacy committed to God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah's release by Nebuzaradan demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our own lives, similar to how Jeremiah was provided for?

3. What lessons can we learn from Gedaliah's leadership about serving faithfully in difficult circumstances?

4. How does the legacy of Ahikam and Shaphan inspire us to leave a godly heritage for future generations?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a significant choice. How can Jeremiah's decision-making process guide you in making wise choices today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 25:22-24
Provides context for Gedaliah's appointment and the political situation in Judah after the Babylonian conquest.

Jeremiah 39:11-14
Details Nebuzaradan's orders to release Jeremiah, showing God's providence in protecting His prophet.

Jeremiah 26:24
Mentions Ahikam's role in defending Jeremiah, highlighting a legacy of support for God's prophet.

Isaiah 10:20-22
Speaks of a remnant returning, which parallels the remnant left in Judah under Gedaliah's leadership.

Psalm 37:23-24
Reflects on God's guidance and provision, as seen in Jeremiah's release and care.
Sermons
Jeremiah a Free AgentD. Young Jeremiah 40:2-6
A Strait Betwixt TwoS. Conway Jeremiah 40:4, 5
People
Ahikam, Ammonites, Baalis, Babylonians, Ephai, Gedaliah, Ishmael, Jaazaniah, Jeremiah, Jezaniah, Johanan, Jonathan, Kareah, Nebuzaradan, Nethaniah, Seraiah, Shaphan, Tanhumeth
Places
Babylon, Edom, Jerusalem, Mizpah, Moab, Ramah
Topics
Abide, Added, Ahikam, Ahi'kam, Allowance, Anywhere, Appointed, Armed, Babylon, Bodyguard, Body-guard, Captain, Chief, Cities, Commander, Convenient, Dwell, Executioners, Gedaliah, Gedali'ah, Gift, Giveth, Governor, Guard, Jeremiah, Judah, Living-place, Midst, Money, Nebuzaradan, Please, Present, Provisions, Ration, Reply, Return, Reward, Ruler, Seemeth, Seems, Shaphan, Sight, Stay, Towns, Turn, Victuals, Wheresoever, Wherever, Whithersoever, Yea, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 40:4

     5126   arm
     6659   freedom, acts in OT

Jeremiah 40:1-4

     5251   chains

Library
In Judaea
If Galilee could boast of the beauty of its scenery and the fruitfulness of its soil; of being the mart of a busy life, and the highway of intercourse with the great world outside Palestine, Judaea would neither covet nor envy such advantages. Hers was quite another and a peculiar claim. Galilee might be the outer court, but Judaea was like the inner sanctuary of Israel. True, its landscapes were comparatively barren, its hills bare and rocky, its wilderness lonely; but around those grey limestone …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Nations of the South-East
Israel was cut in two by the Jordan. The districts east of the Jordan were those that had first been conquered; it was from thence that the followers of Joshua had gone forth to possess themselves of Canaan. But this division of the territory was a source of weakness. The interests of the tribes on the two sides of the river were never quite the same; at times indeed they were violently antagonistic. When the disruption of the monarchy came after the death of Solomon, Judah was the stronger for the …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations

Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
(Bethlehem and Road Thence to Egypt, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 13-18. ^a 13 Now when they were departed [The text favors the idea that the arrival and departure of the magi and the departure of Joseph for Egypt, all occurred in one night. If so, the people of Bethlehem knew nothing of these matters], behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise [this command calls for immediate departure] and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt [This land was ever the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian Hastened his Journey to Rome; but Titus his Son Returned to Jerusalem.
1. And now, when Vespasian had given answers to the embassages, and had disposed of the places of power justly, [25] and according to every one's deserts, he came to Antioch, and consulting which way he had best take, he preferred to go for Rome, rather than to march to Alexandria, because he saw that Alexandria was sure to him already, but that the affairs at Rome were put into disorder by Vitellius; so he sent Mucianus to Italy, and committed a considerable army both of horsemen and footmen to …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
The tenderness of the bond which united Jewish parents to their children appears even in the multiplicity and pictorialness of the expressions by which the various stages of child-life are designated in the Hebrew. Besides such general words as "ben" and "bath"--"son" and "daughter"--we find no fewer than nine different terms, each depicting a fresh stage of life. The first of these simply designates the babe as the newly--"born"--the "jeled," or, in the feminine, "jaldah"--as in Exodus 2:3, 6, 8. …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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