THEME: The Brutal Assassination of Gedaliah, The Babylonian Appointed Governor of Judah by Ishmael!
This chapter details the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian appointed governor of Judah by Ishmael who then took captive the remaining people in Mizpah and fled towards the Ammonites causing further chaos and unrest in the already devastated land.
The chapter primarily focuses on the aftermath of this violent act and the escape of some survivors led by Johanan.Verses1-17.
THE MAIN POINTS :
1.MURDER OF GEDALIAH: Ishmael along with ten men deceitfully killed Gedaliah while they were eating together in Mizpah.Verses1-2.
2.MASSACRE OF JEWS: Following Gedaliah’s murder, Ishmael killed all the Jews present with him including the Babylonian soldiers stationed there Verses 3-7.
3.CAPTIVES TAKEN: Ishmael captured the remaining people in Mizpah including the king’s daughters and planned to take them to the Ammonites. Verse 10.
4.JOHANAN’S PURSUIT:
Johanan and his captains pursued Ishmael eventually forcing him to flee with only eight men. Verses 11-15.
SOLILOQUY:
But Prophet Jeremiah was with Governor Gedaliah in Mizpah as seen in chapter40:5-6; why did God not speak to him about the murder of Gedaliah?
Gedaliah could have escaped that death because Johanan had warned him against the secret plot of Ishmael but he did not believe the report. Jeremiah40:13-16.
I perceive that the spirit of error has already set in the land because of their disobedience to the Voice of the LORD. Now is the time for the fulfilment of Jeremiah’s prophecies! That was why the prophet did not hear from God again!
LESSON
People of God, when we don’t hear from God again, let us begin to look inwards!
Destruction is at the corner!
DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD IS DANGEROUS!
LET US BE WARNED!
