The account of the ten men with Ishmael is found in the book of Jeremiah, specifically in Jeremiah 41. This narrative occurs during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The Babylonian conquest led to the appointment of Gedaliah as governor over the remnant of Judah, a position that would soon be challenged by Ishmael, son of Nethaniah.

Context and Background

After the fall of Jerusalem, the Babylonians left a remnant in the land of Judah and appointed Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, as governor. Gedaliah established his administration in Mizpah and sought to encourage the people to serve the Babylonians peacefully. However, Ishmael, a member of the royal family and of Davidic descent, harbored ambitions and grievances against Gedaliah's leadership and the Babylonian overlords.

The Plot and Assassination

Ishmael, described as a man of royal blood, conspired against Gedaliah. Despite warnings from Johanan, son of Kareah, about Ishmael's intentions, Gedaliah dismissed the threat. In Jeremiah 41:1-3 , the narrative unfolds:

"In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was of the royal family and had been one of the king’s officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah. While they were eating a meal together there, 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."

The Ten Men

The ten men accompanying Ishmael played a crucial role in the execution of this plot. They were likely trusted associates or fellow conspirators who shared Ishmael's discontent with the Babylonian rule and Gedaliah's governance. Their involvement underscores the organized nature of the conspiracy and the depth of opposition to Gedaliah's leadership.

Aftermath and Further Violence

Following the assassination of Gedaliah, Ishmael's actions led to further violence and chaos. In Jeremiah 41:4-7 , it is recorded that on the day after the murder, eighty men came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, bringing offerings to the house of the Lord. Ishmael deceitfully lured them into Mizpah, where he and his men slaughtered most of them, casting their bodies into a cistern.

However, ten of these men pleaded for their lives, offering Ishmael hidden stores of wheat, barley, oil, and honey. Their lives were spared, highlighting the desperation and resourcefulness of those caught in the political turmoil of the time.

Significance

The actions of Ishmael and his ten men had significant repercussions for the remnant of Judah. Their violent coup not only destabilized the region but also led to fear and uncertainty among the people. The assassination of Gedaliah marked a turning point, leading many to flee to Egypt for safety, despite prophetic warnings against such a move.

This episode illustrates the complexities of leadership and loyalty in a time of national crisis. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of political ambition and the fragile nature of peace in the aftermath of conquest and exile.