Johanan, son of Kareah, emerges as a significant figure during the tumultuous period following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. As a Jewish captain, Johanan played a pivotal role in the events that unfolded in the aftermath of the city's fall, particularly in relation to the prophet Jeremiah and the remnant of Judah.

Background and Role

Johanan was one of the military leaders who survived the Babylonian conquest. He initially appears in the biblical narrative as a protector of the remnant left in Judah. After the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, by Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan pursued Ishmael to rescue the captives he had taken from Mizpah (Jeremiah 41:11-16). Johanan's successful intervention demonstrated his leadership and concern for the people.

Interaction with Jeremiah

Following the rescue, Johanan and the other leaders sought divine guidance through the prophet Jeremiah. They requested that Jeremiah pray to the LORD on their behalf, seeking direction for their next steps. They promised to obey whatever the LORD commanded through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 42:1-6).

Jeremiah delivered the LORD's message, instructing the remnant to remain in the land of Judah. The LORD promised to build them up and not tear them down, assuring them of His protection from the Babylonians if they stayed (Jeremiah 42:7-12). However, the message also contained a stern warning against going to Egypt, where they believed they would find safety. The LORD warned that if they went to Egypt, they would face the very sword, famine, and plague they feared (Jeremiah 42:13-22).

Disobedience and Flight to Egypt

Despite their earlier promise to obey, Johanan and the leaders rejected Jeremiah's counsel. Accusing Jeremiah of speaking falsely and being influenced by Baruch son of Neriah, they decided to lead the remnant to Egypt (Jeremiah 43:1-3). Johanan's decision to disobey the divine directive marked a significant turning point. He took the remnant, including Jeremiah and Baruch, to Egypt, settling in Tahpanhes (Jeremiah 43:4-7).

Consequences

Johanan's actions had profound implications. By choosing to flee to Egypt, he not only disregarded the prophetic word but also led the remnant into a situation contrary to God's will. This disobedience resulted in the fulfillment of the LORD's warning, as the calamities they sought to escape eventually caught up with them in Egypt (Jeremiah 44:12-14).

Johanan's account serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's word, highlighting the consequences of disobedience even amidst challenging circumstances. His narrative is a testament to the struggles of leadership and the critical nature of heeding divine guidance.Jeremiah 43:1-7
And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking to all the people all the words of the LORD their God, for which the LORD their God had sent him to them, even all these words,
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