
Text -- Jeremiah 40:7-12 (NET)




Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics



collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Wesley: Jer 40:8 - -- It is likely these were commanders of parties, which either were within the city 'till it was taken, and then escaped, or where somewhere in the count...
It is likely these were commanders of parties, which either were within the city 'till it was taken, and then escaped, or where somewhere in the country, and not so much regarded by the Chaldeans, who were more intent upon the conquest of the city, than pursuing these little parties.

Wesley: Jer 40:10 - -- I have choice made of Mizpah, a city upon the frontiers, to make my residence, it being a convenient place for me to receive orders from the king of B...
I have choice made of Mizpah, a city upon the frontiers, to make my residence, it being a convenient place for me to receive orders from the king of Babylon.

Wesley: Jer 40:10 - -- Gather such fruits as the country affords, as you use to do in the times of peace.
Gather such fruits as the country affords, as you use to do in the times of peace.

Wesley: Jer 40:12 - -- Probably upon the king of Babylon's first invading Judah, many fled, and more as he went on his conquests, over - running the country; and it is likel...
Probably upon the king of Babylon's first invading Judah, many fled, and more as he went on his conquests, over - running the country; and it is likely at the taking of the city, many escaped, and fled into several countries, as they had opportunity, or judged this or that country would be safest; some fled to Moab, some to Ammon some to Edom, some one way, and some another: but when they heard that the king of Babylon had set a governor of their own religion and country over them, they came back to him; and there being few people left in the land, which was wonderfully fruitful, they gathered plenty of grapes, and other summer fruits.
JFB: Jer 40:7 - -- The leaders of the Jewish army had been "scattered" throughout the country on the capture of Zedekiah (Jer 52:8), in order to escape the notice of the...
The leaders of the Jewish army had been "scattered" throughout the country on the capture of Zedekiah (Jer 52:8), in order to escape the notice of the Chaldeans.

JFB: Jer 40:9 - -- They were afraid that they should not obtain pardon from the Chaldeans for their acts. He therefore assured them of safety by an oath.
They were afraid that they should not obtain pardon from the Chaldeans for their acts. He therefore assured them of safety by an oath.

JFB: Jer 40:9 - -- Literally, "to stand before" (Jer 40:10; Jer 52:12), that is, to be at hand ready to execute the commands of the king of Babylon.

JFB: Jer 40:10 - -- Lying on the way between Babylon and Judah, and so convenient for transacting business between the two countries.
Lying on the way between Babylon and Judah, and so convenient for transacting business between the two countries.

JFB: Jer 40:10 - -- He artfully, in order to conciliate them, represents the burden of the service to the Chaldeans as falling on him, while they may freely gather their ...
He artfully, in order to conciliate them, represents the burden of the service to the Chaldeans as falling on him, while they may freely gather their wine, fruits, and oil. He does not now add that these very fruits were to constitute the chief part of the tribute to be paid to Babylon: which, though fruitful in corn, was less productive of grapes, figs, and olives [HERODOTUS, 1.193]. The grant of "vineyards" to the "poor" (Jer 39:10) would give hope to the discontended of enjoying the best fruits (Jer 40:12).

JFB: Jer 40:11 - -- Who had fled thither at the approach of the Chaldeans. God thus tempered the severity of His vengeance that a remnant might be left.
Who had fled thither at the approach of the Chaldeans. God thus tempered the severity of His vengeance that a remnant might be left.
Clarke -> Jer 40:8
Clarke: Jer 40:8 - -- Ishmael the son of Nethaniah - This is he who afterwards murdered Gedaliah. He had been employed to do this by Baalis, king of the Ammonites, with w...
Ishmael the son of Nethaniah - This is he who afterwards murdered Gedaliah. He had been employed to do this by Baalis, king of the Ammonites, with whom he appears to have taken refuge during the siege. See Jer 40:14.
Calvin: Jer 40:7 - -- Mention has been before made of Gedaliah. We have seen that the Prophet was once rescued from death through his kindness, for he interposed for him w...
Mention has been before made of Gedaliah. We have seen that the Prophet was once rescued from death through his kindness, for he interposed for him when almost all with one consent doomed the holy Prophet to death. 119 And God bestowed on him no common honor, that while he was seeking nothing, Nebuchadnezzar should set him as governor over the land. He did not, indeed, enjoy power for any length of time; but it was yet God’s will to extend his hand to the pious man, so that he might have, at least for a time, some evidence of his favor. He was at length, as we shall see, killed by treachery.
The Prophet now tells us, that the leaders of the forces, before scattered together with their troops, were now come to him. When the Prophet says that they were in the field, I do not think as some, that they were those who fled when the city was taken. But probably they were those who were forced to flee from the cities at the first entrance of the Chaldean army. Nor does it seem probable that they escaped, when all the companions of the king were overtaken and caught in the plain of Jericho, as we have already seen. I then think that they were those who had been scattered here and there, having deserted the cities committed to them at the first approach of their enemies. As then they had been wanderers from their own country and exiles, they now returned to Gedaliah. By saying that the leaders of the forces had heard, he does not mean that they had now an army, but that they had been set over cities and towns in Judea together with their troops.

Calvin: Jer 40:8 - -- They then and their men, came to Gedaliah, when they heard that the king of Babylon had set Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, over Judea, and that men,...
They then and their men, came to Gedaliah, when they heard that the king of Babylon had set Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, over Judea, and that men, women, and children were committed to his power or keeping. And then he adds, from the poverty of the land, that is, from the dregs of the people, even from those who had not been removed to Babylon: they came, even Ishmael, etc.; who, as we shall hereafter see, became a traitor. He was, as the Prophet says, of the royal family. His spirits were still very high, and influenced by envy, he killed Gedaliah, though he had been kindly received by him. He had, at the same time, received a reward for his treachery from the king of Amon. But all these things we shall see in what follows.
He names here the fugitive chiefs, the first of whom was Ishmael, and among them were the sons of Kareah; who had pledged their faith to Gedaliah; but he was too credulous, and, at the same time, closed his ears to wise counsels and warnings. The Prophet proceeds to tell us how Geda-liah dealt with his own nation, —

Calvin: Jer 40:9 - -- Here, as I have hinted, is explained the great humanity of Gedaliah, and also his pious solicitude for his own nation, in order that the perfidy and ...
Here, as I have hinted, is explained the great humanity of Gedaliah, and also his pious solicitude for his own nation, in order that the perfidy and cruelty of the son of Nethaniah might appear the more detestable, who slew a man so well deserving in his conduct to him and to others, having been led to do so by reward.
The Prophet says that he swore to them; nor was it strange to interpose an oath in a state of things so disturbed. Hardly could Ishmael and the rest have any confidence, since the Chaldeans had been so extremely hostile to them; they must, indeed, have been in the greatest trepidation. There was, therefore, need of a remedy, even that Gedaliah should assure them of his integrity. This was the reason why he made an oath; for had it been in times of tranquillity, an oath would not have been necessary. But as their life hung, as it were, on a thread, and they saw many dangers on every side, there was need of a confirmation; nor did Gedaliah receive them without some danger; for it was not pleasing to the Chaldeans that such men should continue in the land. For we have seen that the princes had been on this account killed, and then all the chief men among the people had been removed to Chaldea, lest any of them should attempt some new commotions. It was, therefore, the object of Nebuchadnezzar to keep the country quiet; and this was the best way to prevent any disturbance. Gedaliah then, no doubt, saw that this would not be very agreeable to the Chaldeans, and yet his humanity prevailed, and his concern for his own nation, that he not only hospitably received them, but also promised them by an oath, that there would be safety for them. He therefore exhorted them to be confident, and also to serve the Chaldeans. It was, indeed, especially expected of them, that they should surrender up themselves, as their case was hopeless. Then Gedaliah promised that the Chaldeans would be content with a voluntary submission; and he promised them also, that there would be a safe dwelling for them in the land.

Calvin: Jer 40:10 - -- And he ordered them to gather wine, and corn, and fruit, and to store them up, as there would be no danger from war. He also ordered them to dwell ...
And he ordered them to gather wine, and corn, and fruit, and to store them up, as there would be no danger from war. He also ordered them to dwell in the cities which they had taken, or to which they had been driven. The verb here is ambiguous; but I prefer its most literal meaning, which ye have taken. They could not, indeed, have taken a city by force and arms, as they had only a few men, and could never have been equal to their enemies. Then the forcible taking of cities is not what is meant; but Gedaliah’s meaning was, that they might safely remain wherever they were, or that they might dwell in any city they came to. But it was a great ‘thing when he said to them, that he would stand for them; for he thus laid down his own life, as though he had said that he would be a surety that nothing grievous should happen to them. And hence it is more clearly seen that he did not regard himself, but that he used the power given him for the public good; for if he had ambition, he would have been, doubtless, more careful to ingratiate himself with the king of Babylon, and he would have resolved to deal no less cruelly with a people so hard and refractory, than their enemies. But when he extended his wings as the hen, to gather under them the residue of his own nation, it appears quite evident that he had no care for his own private safety, but that whatever power had been given him by King Nebuchadnezzar, he employed it wholly for the public good.
Then these words ought to be especially noticed, And I, behold, I will dwell in Mizpah, that I may stand, etc., that is, that I may meet the Chaldeans who may come to us, that is, lest they should come upon you for some hostile purpose. It afterwards follows —

Calvin: Jer 40:11 - -- The Prophet shews here, that except intestine wickedness had arisen, the condition of the people would have been endurable until the time of exile ha...
The Prophet shews here, that except intestine wickedness had arisen, the condition of the people would have been endurable until the time of exile had elapsed. God had pre-fixed, as it has been before stated, seventy years. Nebuchadnezzar had already so withdrawn the flower of the people, that still some inhabitants remained, that the land might not be wholly naked and forsaken. For besides the poor who had been left, he has already told us, that some chief men came with their troops. He now adds that all the Jews, who had fled to neighboring nations, came to Geda-liah; some had taken refuge among the Ammonites, and some among the Moabites; these came and dwelt in the land. Then God did thus moderate the rigor of his vengeance, so that some remnants continued in Judea until the restoration of the whole people. But the perverseness of those who had before despised his favor, is on the other hand most clearly shewn. God no doubt designed to make manifest their extreme wickedness; for they not only despised the kindness of King Nebuchadnezzar, but rushed headlong to their own ruin; for their fury and madness led them on to kill their own leader, and thus all things were thrown into confusion, as this might have provoked the indignation of the conqueror to obliterate the very name of the people by slaying the captives as well as those who had been left in the land. To point out this was the object of the Prophet in this part of the chapter.

Calvin: Jer 40:12 - -- He says that all the Jews; he puts in the particle גם , gam, for the sake of emphasis, and even all the Jews, who had fled either to the Moa...
He says that all the Jews; he puts in the particle
But we hence know more fully how great must have been the impiety and wickedness of Ishmael and his companions, who not only had the liberty to dwell comfortably in their own country under the care and protection of Gedaliah, but who also enjoyed abundance of blessings. For as the most miserable of them gathered great abundance of fruits, they might have had a large portion of all good things. Hence then the more and the more detestable appeared their ingratitude. And it further appears how extreme and incurable was their perverseness, that they were not moved and affected, when they saw Jerusalem destroyed, the temple burnt, and the horrible slaughter which had taken place; and especially when they knew what Nebuzaradan had preached respecting God’s vengeance, and had performed the office of a prophet in reproving them. That they thus so obstinately rejected the blessings of God and resisted what he did for them, was an evident proof that they were monstrously stupid; and this is what the Prophet intended to shew, as we shall hereafter see. But I must make an end here.
TSK: Jer 40:7 - -- all the : Jer 39:4; 2Ki 25:4, 2Ki 25:22, 2Ki 25:23-26
the poor : Jer 39:10; Eze 33:24-29, Eze 45:16
all the : Jer 39:4; 2Ki 25:4, 2Ki 25:22, 2Ki 25:23-26
the poor : Jer 39:10; Eze 33:24-29, Eze 45:16

TSK: Jer 40:8 - -- came : Jer 40:6, Jer 40:11, Jer 40:12
even : Jer 40:14, 41:1-16; 2Ki 25:23, 2Ki 25:25
Johanan : Jer 41:11, Jer 41:16, Jer 42:1, Jer 42:8, Jer 43:2, Je...
came : Jer 40:6, Jer 40:11, Jer 40:12
even : Jer 40:14, 41:1-16; 2Ki 25:23, 2Ki 25:25
Johanan : Jer 41:11, Jer 41:16, Jer 42:1, Jer 42:8, Jer 43:2, Jer 43:5
Jonathan : Jer 37:15, Jer 37:20, Jer 38:26
Netophathite : 2Sa 23:28, 2Sa 23:29; 1Ch 2:54, 1Ch 11:30; Ezr 2:2, Ezr 2:22; Neh 7:26
Maachathite : Deu 3:14; Jos 12:5; 2Sa 10:6, 2Sa 10:8, 2Sa 23:34; 1Ch 2:48

TSK: Jer 40:9 - -- sware : 1Sa 20:16, 1Sa 20:17; 2Ki 25:24
Fear : Jer 27:11, Jer 38:17-20; Gen 49:15; Psa 37:3, Psa 128:2

TSK: Jer 40:10 - -- serve : Heb. stand before, Jer 35:19; Deu 1:38; Pro 22:29; Luk 21:36
gather : Jer 39:10
summer : Jer 40:12, Jer 48:32; 2Sa 16:1; Isa 16:9; Mic 7:1

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes -> Jer 40:7; Jer 40:9-10
Barnes: Jer 40:7 - -- The men would be the old and infirm: the women those whose husbands and protectors had perished in the wars (e. g. Jer 41:10). The word children inc...
The men would be the old and infirm: the women those whose husbands and protectors had perished in the wars (e. g. Jer 41:10). The word children includes all the inferior members of a household.

Barnes: Jer 40:9-10 - -- To serve the Chaldeans - literally, as margin; to be their minister and lieutenant. Gedaliah supposed that officers of high rank would come fro...
To serve the Chaldeans - literally, as margin; to be their minister and lieutenant. Gedaliah supposed that officers of high rank would come from time to time from Babylon to look after the king’ s interests. But whatever was ordered would be done through him, as being the prime minister.
Gather ye wine - As Jerusalem was captured in the fifth month, August, it would now be autumn, and there would be fruit upon the trees, enough to maintain the scanty population during the winter.
Taken - Or, seized. Every captain had probably occupied some place by force as his head quarters, and Gedaliah bids them retain them. He frankly accepts the whole existing state of things, as a necessary step toward re-establishing confidence.
Poole: Jer 40:8 - -- It is most likely that these captains with their forces were no newly raised and formed companies; for to what purpose should that be when their cit...
It is most likely that these captains with their forces were no newly raised and formed companies; for to what purpose should that be when their city and whole country was lost? but some commanders of parties, which either were within the city till it was taken, and then escaped out, or were about before some where in the country, and were not so much regarded by the Chaldeans, who were more intent upon the conquest of the city than pursuing these little parties, who they knew could do them no hurt. These hearing that the business was over, and a deputy governor set up, who was of their own country, and a man of a good, ingenuous temper, out of the love they had to their native country come unto him. Of these captains we read little save Ishmael, (of whom we shalt afterwards read more,) nor are we at all concerned to seek their genealogy.

Poole: Jer 40:9 - -- They might reasonably suspect that the Chaldeans would have a jealous eye upon any conflux of people to Jerusalem, especially military men, and ther...
They might reasonably suspect that the Chaldeans would have a jealous eye upon any conflux of people to Jerusalem, especially military men, and therefore be something suspicious of him who was the Chaldean deputy governor; the securing of them from fears on this account was the cause of this voluntary oath taken by Gedaliah. He encourageth them to be servants to the Chaldeans, and to dwell in the land, assuring them that if they would, they should fare well; he was well enough assured of the Chaldeans’ favour, that if they would live peaceably in their own land, they should, they would not come any more to carry them away captive.

Poole: Jer 40:10 - -- That is, I have made choice of Mizpah, a city upon the frontiers, where I intend to make my residence, it being a convenient place for me to receive...
That is, I have made choice of Mizpah, a city upon the frontiers, where I intend to make my residence, it being a convenient place for me to receive orders from the king of Babylon, and to manage state matters. But do ye live in the country, and gather such fruits as the country affordeth; do not fear being stripped or spoiled of them, but do as you use to do in the times of greatest peace and security.

Poole: Jer 40:12 - -- Probably upon the king of Babylon’ s first invading Judah many fled, and more as he went on in his conquests, overrunning the country, and it i...
Probably upon the king of Babylon’ s first invading Judah many fled, and more as he went on in his conquests, overrunning the country, and it is likely at the taking of the city many escaped, and fled into several countries as they had opportunity, or judged this or that country would be safest; some fled to Moab, some to Ammon, some to Edom, some one way, some another. But when they heard that the king of Babylon had set a governor of their own religion and country over them, they came back to him; and there being few people left in the land, which was of itself wonderfully fruitful, they gathered a great plenty of grapes and other summer fruits which the country produced.
Haydock: Jer 40:7 - -- Captains, who had fled from Sedecias, and effected their escape. (Josephus, Antiquities x. 11.)
Captains, who had fled from Sedecias, and effected their escape. (Josephus, Antiquities x. 11.)

Haydock: Jer 40:9 - -- With you. They might naturally suspect Godolias, and think that the Chaldeans would seize them as soon as they should know of their escape.
With you. They might naturally suspect Godolias, and think that the Chaldeans would seize them as soon as they should know of their escape.

Haydock: Jer 40:10 - -- Answer. Hebrew, "stand before," as minister (Haydock) for the Chaldeans. You need not be jealous of my power; and I can answer that they will not h...
Answer. Hebrew, "stand before," as minister (Haydock) for the Chaldeans. You need not be jealous of my power; and I can answer that they will not hurt you, provided you continue quiet. (Calmet) ---
He promises to act in behalf of the people, as a governor ought to do. (Worthington)

Haydock: Jer 40:11 - -- Countries. They had fled to avoid the taxes, &c., but found no redress, Lamentations i. 3.
Countries. They had fled to avoid the taxes, &c., but found no redress, Lamentations i. 3.
Gill: Jer 40:7 - -- Now when all the captains of the forces which were in the fields,.... Not the captains of the king of Babylon's forces, but the captains of the king ...
Now when all the captains of the forces which were in the fields,.... Not the captains of the king of Babylon's forces, but the captains of the king of Judah's forces; who either during the siege had lurked in the fields and villages, not daring to fall upon the Chaldean army, or attempt to raise the siege; or rather who fled with Zedekiah from Jerusalem, when the city was taken, and who deserted him, when he was apprehended, and shifted for themselves, and were dispersed about in the country, where they continued for some little time: but when
they and their men; their servants, or rather the common soldiers that were under them:
heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land; his viceroy or deputy governor in the land of Judea; being a prince of considerable note among the Jews, and in high favour with the king of Babylon:
and had committed unto him men, and women, and children, and of the poor of the land, of them that were not carried away captive unto Babylon; even as many men, women, children, and poor, as were left in the land, and not carried captive; these were all committed to the care of this prince, to rule over and govern them; to keep them in subjection to the king of Babylon; to employ them in cultivating the land, from whence some profit might arise to the conqueror and new proprietor of it.

Gill: Jer 40:8 - -- Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,.... Having heard that the Chaldean army was gone, and so were in no fear of that; and also that Gedaliah was mad...
Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,.... Having heard that the Chaldean army was gone, and so were in no fear of that; and also that Gedaliah was made deputy governor, one of their own nation, a pious, prudent, good man, a man of ingenuity, mildness, and integrity; under whose government they might expect to live comfortably; and which was much preferable to captivity in a foreign country, though tributary to Babylon:
even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah; who was of the seed royal, Jer 41:1;
and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah; two brothers, but who they were, or their father, is not known, no mention being made of them but in this story:
and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth; who he was is also uncertain:
and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite; so called from Netophah, a city of the tribe of Judah near Bethlehem, and are mentioned together, Ezr 2:22; the Netophathites inhabited several villages, 1Ch 9:16; mention is made in the Misnic t writings of artichokes and olives this place was famous for:
and Jezaniah the son of a Maachathite; a family so called from Maacah, Caleb's concubine, 1Ch 2:48;
they and their men; these generals, and the forces under their command.

Gill: Jer 40:9 - -- And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan aware unto them and to their men,.... They might express their fears, that should they continue with...
And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan aware unto them and to their men,.... They might express their fears, that should they continue with Gedaliah, as they were inclined to do, could they be safe; that seeing they had encouraged Zedekiah to hold out the siege to the last against the Chaldeans, and they should hear where they were, would demand them, and they, should be taken and delivered up into their hands; upon which Gedaliah not only promises them safety, but swears to them that they should live safely with him, and never be delivered up to the Chaldeans, and that he would undertake to indemnify them, and preserve them:
saying, fear not to serve the Chaldeans; as if it was an evil to do it; or as if their yoke was hard and intolerable; or as if it would be unprofitable, and turn to no account; or they should be always in danger of their lives:
dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall he well with you; settle in the land, and do not rove about from place to place like fugitives; nor go out of the land through fear of the king of Babylon, but continue in it, and live in subjection to him, and depend upon it you will live comfortably and safely.

Gill: Jer 40:10 - -- As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah, to serve the Chaldeans that come unto us,.... Here he urges his own example, as before their welfare, to en...
As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah, to serve the Chaldeans that come unto us,.... Here he urges his own example, as before their welfare, to engage them to dwell in the land, and serve the Chaldeans; this was what he had determined to do, and had fixed upon Mizpah, a frontier town, and in the way to Babylon, as a proper seat of residence for him, as a governor under the king of Babylon: "to serve the Chaldeans"; or "to stand before them" u; that should come to him as messengers from the king of Babylon, to receive tribute or bring orders to him; all which he would take care of, as well as be an advocate for the Jews, and plead on their behalf, for favours to be bestowed on them; and particularly for these generals and their forces, that they might be pardoned, and dwell safely in the land: he suggests, that they need not trouble themselves about these things; all affairs of this kind he would take upon himself to transact; so that they would have nothing to fear, nor anything to do, but as follows:
but ye, gather ye wine, and summer fruits, and oil; that is, grapes to make wine of, and olives to make oil of, and summer fruits, such as figs and apples. The Targum interprets it lumps of figs; and so Jarchi; for fruits of trees are meant, and not fruits of the earth, as corn and wheat; for both barley and wheat harvests were over before this time; the city being taken in July, and, a month after that, Nebuzaradan came and carried off the captives, and left the poor with Gedaliah, appointed governor. It may be rendered, "autumnal fruits" w; for the word signifies autumn as well as summer;
and put them in your vessels; casks, bottles, and such like vessels, suitable to the things mentioned, and which were in common use, in order to be laid up for winter; and as they used to do in times of peace, not fearing any enemy to come and take them from them:
and dwell in your cities which ye have taken; not by force of arms, or as they pleased; but which they had held in possession formerly as the inheritances of their families, and which they had lately reassumed, or might however enter upon the quiet possession of.

Gill: Jer 40:11 - -- Likewise, when all the Jews that were in Moab,.... Who had fled thither, and to the places after mentioned, when the king of Babylon first invaded th...
Likewise, when all the Jews that were in Moab,.... Who had fled thither, and to the places after mentioned, when the king of Babylon first invaded the land, and where they had continued unto this time:
and among the Ammonites, and in Edom, and that were in all the countries; in all other neighbouring countries, besides Moab, Ammon, and Edom; some fleeing one way, and some another, which lay nearest to their borders, or where they thought themselves safest: when they
heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant of Judah; a few of their brethren, to cultivate the land, and repopulated it:
and that he had set over them Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan; whom they knew to be a wise and good man; these were engaging motives to them to return to their own land, being more desirable to live in than any other, could they enjoy peace and safety; and to dwell with their brethren, their own countrymen, and of the same religion with them, was more eligible than to dwell in foreign idolatrous countries; and especially since there was a government established to protect and defend them, and that in the hands of so worthy a prince as Gedaliah.

Gill: Jer 40:12 - -- Even all the Jews returned from all places whither they were driven,.... Through fear of the Chaldean army; they came all of them from the several cou...
Even all the Jews returned from all places whither they were driven,.... Through fear of the Chaldean army; they came all of them from the several countries before mentioned; so that here was like to be a happy settlement and a flourishing commonwealth again; here being princes and generals, soldiers and common people, in large numbers, that were returned and coalesced under the government of Gedaliah:
and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, unto Mizpah; they came out of the several countries where they had been for some time, and entered the land of Judah; but did not take up their abode anywhere, till they had presented themselves to the governor, and put themselves under his protection; promising, no doubt, to regard him as such, and to be tributary to the Chaldeans; being assured by him, as the generals and their forces before, that all would be well with them, giving them free liberty to settle in the cities and villages to which they belonged; and accordingly they set out from Mizpah, and went to their respective habitations they had abandoned:
and gathered wine and summer fruits very much; See Gill on Jer 40:10; the people of the land being carried captive; and the Chaldean army not having ravaged these parts, or however had left an abundance of fruits, which these people, at their return, found and gathered.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Jer 40:8 The name of these officers is given here because some of them become important to the plot of the subsequent narrative, in particular, Ishmael and Joh...


NET Notes: Jer 40:10 This plus “Things will go well with you” is in essence the substance of the oath. The pronouns are emphatic, “And I, behold I will s...

NET Notes: Jer 40:12 Heb “summer fruit.” “Summer fruit” is meaningless to most modern readers; dates and figs are what is involved.
Geneva Bible: Jer 40:7 Now when all the captains of the forces ( d ) who [were] in the fields, [even] they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah th...

Geneva Bible: Jer 40:8 Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even ( e ) Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tan...

Geneva Bible: Jer 40:11 Likewise when all the Jews that [were] in ( f ) Moab, and among the Ammonites, and in Edom, and that [were] in all the countries, heard that the king ...

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Jer 40:1-16
TSK Synopsis: Jer 40:1-16 - --1 Jeremiah, being set free by Nebuzar-adan, goes to Gedaliah.7 The dispersed Jews repair unto him.13 Johanan revealing Ishmael's conspiracy is not bel...
MHCC -> Jer 40:7-16
MHCC: Jer 40:7-16 - --Jeremiah had never in his prophecies spoken of any good days for the Jews, to come immediately after the captivity; yet Providence seemed to encourage...
Matthew Henry -> Jer 40:7-16
Matthew Henry: Jer 40:7-16 - -- We have in these verses, I. A bright sky opening upon the remnant of the Jews that were left in their own land, and a comfortable prospect given the...
Keil-Delitzsch -> Jer 40:7-12
Keil-Delitzsch: Jer 40:7-12 - --
Return of those who had been dispersed: they gather round Gedaliah . - Whilst the country and its capital were being conquered, many of the men of ...
Constable: Jer 2:1--45:5 - --II. Prophecies about Judah chs. 2--45
The first series of prophetic announcements, reflections, and incidents th...

Constable: Jer 34:1--45:5 - --D. Incidents surrounding the fall of Jerusalem chs. 34-45
The Book of Consolation contained messages of ...

Constable: Jer 40:1--45:5 - --3. Incidents after the fall of Jerusalem chs. 40-45
One of the important theological lessons of ...
