Johanan, son of Kareah, emerges as a significant figure during the tumultuous period following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. He is prominently mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah, where he is depicted as a leader among the remnant of Judah left in the land after the Babylonian conquest.

Role and Leadership

Johanan was one of the military captains who had not been taken into exile by the Babylonians. Alongside other captains, he initially operated in the region of Mizpah under the governance of Gedaliah, whom Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, appointed as governor over the cities of Judah (Jeremiah 40:7-8). Johanan's leadership is particularly noted when he warns Gedaliah of a plot against his life by Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, who was of royal blood and had been sent by Baalis, king of the Ammonites, to assassinate Gedaliah (Jeremiah 40:13-14). Despite Johanan's warning, Gedaliah dismisses the threat, leading to his eventual assassination by Ishmael (Jeremiah 41:2).

Pursuit of Ishmael

After the assassination of Gedaliah, Johanan takes decisive action. He gathers the remaining forces and pursues Ishmael to recover the captives taken from Mizpah, including the daughters of the king and others whom Ishmael had taken (Jeremiah 41:11-14). Johanan successfully confronts Ishmael at the great waters in Gibeon, where Ishmael's captives rejoice at their liberation and return to Johanan (Jeremiah 41:15-16).

Flight to Egypt

Following these events, Johanan and the other captains, along with the remnant of the people, seek guidance from the prophet Jeremiah. They ask him to pray to the LORD for direction, promising to obey whatever the LORD commands (Jeremiah 42:1-3). However, when Jeremiah delivers the LORD's message, instructing them to remain in the land and not to fear the king of Babylon, Johanan and the people reject the divine counsel. Fearing retribution from the Babylonians for the murder of Gedaliah, they accuse Jeremiah of lying and decide to flee to Egypt for safety (Jeremiah 43:2-7).

Legacy and Significance

Johanan's actions reflect the complex dynamics of leadership and decision-making in a time of national crisis. His initial loyalty to Gedaliah and subsequent efforts to protect the remnant of Judah demonstrate a commitment to his people. However, his ultimate decision to disobey the prophetic word and seek refuge in Egypt highlights the challenges of faith and trust in divine guidance amidst fear and uncertainty.

Johanan's account serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of relying on human wisdom over divine instruction, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. His life and actions are a testament to the struggles faced by the Jewish remnant in maintaining their identity and faith during one of the most challenging periods in their history.2 Kings 25:22-24
And as for the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.
Nave's Topical Index

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... Joiakin, Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, [6328] Jonathan, and Jaddua ... the precedent which
Simon, the Captain of the ... of that kind recorded in Jewish history - and the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

The Captivity.
... back idolatry; and indeed, the whole Jewish people had ... he was taken by Nebuzaradan,
the captain who had ... his friend, the King of Ammon, when Johanan, a friend ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson x the captivity.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Of A Sedition, He Made Amasa Captain Of His Host ... Afterward Slain By Ishmael; And
How Johanan After Ishmael ... And Her Son Izates, Embraced The Jewish Religion; And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Who was Gedaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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