Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, emerges in the biblical narrative as a significant yet tragic figure during the tumultuous period following the Babylonian conquest of Judah. He is notably remembered for his role in the assassination of Gedaliah, the appointed governor of Judah, and for taking many Jews captive. This event is recorded in the Book of Jeremiah, specifically in chapters 40 and 41.

Background and Lineage

Ishmael was of royal descent, being a member of the Davidic line. He is identified as the son of Nethaniah and the grandson of Elishama, a fact that may have contributed to his sense of entitlement and ambition. His royal lineage is mentioned in Jeremiah 41:1, which states, "In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was of royal blood and had been one of the king’s officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah."

The Assassination of Gedaliah

After the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, the Babylonians appointed Gedaliah as governor over the remnant of Judah. Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, was a man of integrity and sought to stabilize the region under Babylonian rule. However, his leadership was short-lived due to the treacherous actions of Ishmael.

Despite warnings from Johanan and other military leaders about Ishmael's intentions, Gedaliah, in his trust and perhaps naivety, dismissed these concerns. Jeremiah 40:13-14 records this warning: "Then Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers still 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."

Ishmael, motivated by political ambition and possibly influenced by external forces such as the Ammonites, carried out his plot. In Jeremiah 41:2-3, the assassination is described: "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 as governor over the land. Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there."

Captivity and Aftermath

Following the assassination, Ishmael's actions led to further chaos. He took many of the people at Mizpah captive, including the king's daughters and others who had been left under Gedaliah's care. Jeremiah 41:10 states, "Then Ishmael took captive all the remnant of the people of Mizpah—the daughters of the king along with all the others who remained in Mizpah—over whom Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam. Ishmael son of Nethaniah took them captive and set out to cross over to the Ammonites."

Ishmael's attempt to flee with the captives to the land of the Ammonites was thwarted by Johanan and other military leaders, who pursued him and rescued the captives. Ishmael, however, managed to escape with eight of his men, as recorded in Jeremiah 41:15, "But Ishmael son of Nethaniah and eight of his men escaped from Johanan and fled to the Ammonites."

Significance in Biblical History

Ishmael's actions had profound implications for the Jewish remnant in Judah. His assassination of Gedaliah not only disrupted the fragile peace but also led to fear and uncertainty among the people. The event marked a significant point in the post-exilic period, highlighting the internal strife and external pressures faced by the Jewish community during this era.

Ishmael's account serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of political ambition and betrayal, as well as the challenges of leadership and governance in times of national crisis. His actions are a testament to the complex interplay of power, loyalty, and divine providence in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history.Jeremiah 40:8-16
Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.
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Jeremiah 41:1-11
Now it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, and the princes of the king, even ten men with him, came to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they did eat bread together in Mizpah.
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2 Kings 25:23-25
And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that 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 the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.
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The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... It was long before Judah forgot the "mighty nation, the ... with the Parthians, the
Scythians, under the leadership ... lasted, nor whether he was assassinated or died ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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