Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, emerges in the biblical narrative as a significant yet tragic figure during the tumultuous period following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. He is a member of the royal family, being of the seed of David, and is described as a captain of the forces left in Judah after the Babylonian conquest.

Background and Context

Ishmael's account is primarily found in the Book of Jeremiah, chapters 40 and 41. After the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, the Babylonians appointed Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, as governor over the remnant of Judah. Gedaliah established his administration at Mizpah and sought to encourage the people to live peacefully under Babylonian rule. Ishmael, however, harbored different intentions.

Conspiracy and Assassination

Ishmael's actions are marked by betrayal and violence. He conspired with Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, to assassinate Gedaliah. Despite warnings from Johanan, the son of Kareah, about Ishmael's intentions, Gedaliah dismissed the threat, believing in Ishmael's loyalty. This misplaced trust led to a tragic outcome.

In Jeremiah 41:2-3 , it is recorded: "Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him rose 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 over the land. Ishmael also struck down all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there."

Aftermath and Flight

Following the assassination, Ishmael's actions continued to sow chaos. He took captive the people of Mizpah, including the king's daughters, intending to flee to the Ammonites. However, Johanan and the other army officers pursued him to rescue the captives and restore order.

Jeremiah 41:11-15 describes the pursuit: "When Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers with him heard about all the crimes that Ishmael son of Nethaniah had committed, they took all their men and went to fight Ishmael son of Nethaniah. They caught up with him by the great pool in Gibeon. When all the people with Ishmael saw Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers with him, they rejoiced. Then all the people whom Ishmael had taken captive at Mizpah turned and went over to Johanan son of Kareah. But Ishmael son of Nethaniah and eight of his men escaped from Johanan and fled to the Ammonites."

Significance and Legacy

Ishmael's actions had far-reaching consequences for the remnant of Judah. His assassination of Gedaliah shattered the fragile peace and stability that had been established, leading to further fear and uncertainty among the people. The incident also contributed to the decision of many Jews to flee to Egypt, fearing Babylonian retribution.

Ishmael's account serves as a somber reminder of the destructive power of ambition and betrayal. His legacy is one of division and unrest, contrasting sharply with the efforts of those like Gedaliah and Johanan, who sought peace and stability for their people in a time of great adversity.Jeremiah 41:12-15
Then they took all the men, and went to fight with Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and found him by the great waters that are in Gibeon.
Nave's Topical Index

Who was Ishmael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who are the descendants of Ishmael? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Abraham banish Ishmael (Genesis 21:14)? | GotQuestions.org

Ishmael: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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