Kareah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the events following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. He is identified as the father of Johanan, a prominent leader among the remnant of Judah during this tumultuous period. The name "Kareah" is believed to mean "bald" in Hebrew, though the significance of this name is not elaborated upon in the biblical text.

Biblical References:

Kareah is primarily mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah, where his son Johanan plays a significant role. The historical backdrop of these references is the aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., which led to the exile of many Judeans. A remnant, however, was left in the land under the governorship of Gedaliah, whom the Babylonians appointed.

In Jeremiah 40:8, Kareah is introduced as the father of Johanan: "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." This verse places Kareah's family among the leaders who gathered around Gedaliah, indicating their involvement in the political and social restructuring of Judah after the exile.

Johanan, Kareah's son, emerges as a key figure in the narrative. He is depicted as a leader who is deeply concerned about the welfare of the remaining Judeans. In Jeremiah 40:13-16, Johanan warns Gedaliah of a plot against his life by Ishmael son of Nethaniah, but Gedaliah dismisses the warning. This event sets the stage for the subsequent assassination of Gedaliah, which plunges the remnant community into further chaos.

Following Gedaliah's assassination, Johanan takes decisive action. In Jeremiah 41:11-16, Johanan and the other army officers pursue Ishmael and rescue the captives he had taken. This act of leadership underscores Johanan's commitment to the safety and stability of the Judean remnant.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Kareah, though not a central figure himself, is significant through his son Johanan's actions and leadership. The narrative involving Kareah's family highlights the challenges faced by the Judean remnant in maintaining their identity and security in the face of external threats and internal strife. Johanan's leadership, as the son of Kareah, reflects the struggle for righteous governance and the protection of God's people during a period of national crisis.

Theologically, the account of Kareah and his family underscores themes of faithfulness, leadership, and divine providence. Despite the dire circumstances, the remnant's account is one of hope and resilience, as they navigate the complexities of life in a land ravaged by conquest and political upheaval. The actions of Johanan, supported by his familial ties to Kareah, serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Judean people and their reliance on God's guidance during times of uncertainty.2 Kings 25:23
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 40:8,13
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 41:11,13,14,16
But when Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were with him, heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done,
Nave's Topical Index

And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... affections, to which, in spite of himself, every earthly father is stirred ... was overtaken
by a force under Gedaliah's lieutenant, Johanan-ben-Kareah, and his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/4 and after xxx xxxi.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... His successor, Amon, during his brief reign of two years,* had no time to desert
the ways of his father, and Josiah,** who came to the throne in 638 BC, at the ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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