Careah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the events following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The name "Careah" is associated with a family lineage during a tumultuous period in Israel's history.

Biblical References:

Careah is primarily noted as the father of Johanan, a significant leader among the remnant of Judah after the fall of Jerusalem. The primary references to Careah and his son Johanan are found in the Book of Jeremiah.

1. Jeremiah 40:8 · "So they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—along with 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."

2. Jeremiah 40:13-14 · "Meanwhile, Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the armies in the open country came to Gedaliah at Mizpah 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."

3. Jeremiah 41:11 · "When Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the armies with him heard about all the evil that Ishmael son of Nethaniah had done,"

4. Jeremiah 42:1 · "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"

5. Jeremiah 43:2 · "Azariah son of Hoshaiah, Johanan son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, 'You are lying! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to reside there.’'"

Historical Context:

The historical backdrop of Careah's mention is the aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC. After the city was destroyed and many of its inhabitants were exiled, a remnant remained in the land under the governance of Gedaliah, whom the Babylonians appointed as governor. Johanan, the son of Careah, emerges as a key military leader among this remnant.

Role and Significance:

Careah's significance is primarily through his son Johanan, who played a crucial role during this period. Johanan is depicted as a leader concerned with the safety and future of the remaining Judeans. He warned Gedaliah of a plot against his life by Ishmael, which Gedaliah unfortunately ignored, leading to his assassination. Johanan's actions following the assassination, including his pursuit of Ishmael and his interactions with the prophet Jeremiah, highlight the complex dynamics of leadership and survival among the remnant of Judah.

Theological Implications:

The narrative involving Careah and his son Johanan underscores themes of leadership, divine guidance, and the struggle for faithfulness amidst adversity. Johanan's interactions with Jeremiah reflect the tension between human plans and divine will, as seen in their decision to flee to Egypt against Jeremiah's counsel. This decision ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking and adhering to God's guidance, even in dire circumstances.

Conclusion:

While Careah himself is not a central figure, his mention in the biblical text connects to broader themes of leadership, faith, and the challenges faced by the people of Judah during a critical period in their history. The legacy of his son Johanan provides insight into the complexities of post-exilic life and the enduring struggle to remain faithful to God's commands.Careah

bald; ice

Careah

(bald head), father of Johanan, (2 Kings 25:23) elsewhere spelt KAREAH.

CAREAH

ka-re'-a.

See KAREAH.

7143. Qareach -- "bald one," a man of Judah
... Careah, Kareah. From qarach; bald; Kareach, an Israelite -- Careah, Kareah. see
HEBREW qarach. 7142, 7143. Qareach. 7144 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7143.htm - 6kCareah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CAREAH. ka-re'-a. See KAREAH. Multi-Version
Concordance Careah (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 25:23 And ...
/c/careah.htm - 7k

Cared (25 Occurrences)

/c/cared.htm - 14k

Johanan (31 Occurrences)
... (2.) The oldest of King Josiah's sons (1 Chronicles 3:15). (3.) Son of Careah, one
of the Jewish chiefs who rallied round Gedaliah, whom Nebuchadnezzar had ...
/j/johanan.htm - 21k

Maachathite (7 Occurrences)
... the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah ...
/m/maachathite.htm - 8k

Care (466 Occurrences)

/c/care.htm - 44k

Armies (361 Occurrences)
... the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah ...
/a/armies.htm - 38k

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