Bible Strands
Jeremiah 41:18
to escape the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of the Chaldeans because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative tracks a group of Israelites who have taken refuge in Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem and are preparing to flee into Egypt. Their departure occurs immediately after Ishmael assassinated Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, leaving the remaining population vulnerable.
The words — The text highlights יָרְא֖וּ (ya.re.'U), meaning "they were afraid," and הִכָּ֞ה (hi.Kah), meaning "he had struck down." These verbs establish the direct causal link between Ishmael's violent act and the group's decision to abandon the land.
The thread — The pattern of fleeing human threat recurs in Jeremiah 42:16, where the prophet warns that the sword and famine they dread will pursue them into Egypt. This dynamic of fear-driven movement is contrasted in Luke 12:4, where Jesus instructs listeners not to dread those who can only harm the body.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to distinguish between prudent caution and panic-driven retreat that abandons God's appointed place. It demands a clear assessment of whether one's actions follow divine instruction or merely react to human violence.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Because of the Chaldeans: for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor in the land.
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 40:5 But before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, “Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people, or go anywhere else that seems right.” Then the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him.
- Jeremiah 42:16 then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow on your heels into Egypt, and you will die there.
- Luke 12:4 I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
- Isaiah 51:12 “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass?
- Isaiah 57:11 Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me?
- Jeremiah 42:11 Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear; do not be afraid of him, declares the LORD, for I am with you to save you and deliver you from him.
- Jeremiah 43:2 Azariah son of Hoshaiah, Johanan son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to reside there.’
- 2 Kings 25:25 In the seventh month, however, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family, came with ten men and struck down and killed Gedaliah, along with the Judeans and Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah.
- Isaiah 30:16 “No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster.