Jeremiah 40

16 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah is released from captivity and sent to live with the remnant of Judah under Governor Gedaliah, while a group of military leaders warns of a threat to Gedaliah.

Summary

After Nebuzaradan frees Jeremiah from chains, he offers Jeremiah the choice to go to Babylon or stay. Jeremiah chooses to remain and goes to Mizpah to live with Gedaliah, the new Babylonian-appointed governor of Judah. Military captains and the remnant of Israel, hearing of Gedaliah’s appointment, come to Mizpah to seek protection, pledging to serve the Chaldeans. They bring wine, fruits, and oil to show their loyalty. A rumor spreads that Ammon’s king Baalis has sent an assassin, but Gedaliah dismisses the threat, trusting in God’s protection.

Outline

Jeremiah’s release and choice; Gedaliah’s appointment and the return of the remnant; Rumors of an assassination attempt and Gedaliah’s trust.

Themes

Judicial judgment and exileThe remnant’s hope and loyaltyTrust in divine protection

Keywords

captivityexilejudgmentremnantgovernortrust

People

JeremiahNebuzaradanGedaliahAhikamShaphanIshmaelNethaniahJohananJonathanSeraiahEphaiJezaniahBaalis

Places

RamahBabylonMizpahJudahJerusalemMoabAmmonEdom

Things

chainscaptivityGovernor’s officewinesummer fruitsoil

Key Verses

Jeremiah 40:1: introduces Jeremiah’s liberation and the context of Babylonian judgment
Jeremiah 40:4: offers Jeremiah a choice, highlighting agency
Jeremiah 40:8: shows the return of the remnant and their faith

Questions

What does Jeremiah’s decision to stay in Mizpah reveal about his faith?
How does Gedaliah’s warning to the remnant reflect Babylonian governance?
Why does Jeremiah’s release matter for the larger narrative of Israel’s exile?

Sentiment

neutral
factual recount of historical events