John Wesley Commentary on Jeremiah Chapter 41

Jeremiah, Chapter 41 Ishmael, under a colour of friendship kills Gedaliah and others, both Jews and Chaldeans, ver. 1 - 9. He purposes to carry the residue captive to the Ammonites, but they are rescued from him by Johanan, who intends to flee into Egypt, ver. 10 - 18.

1: Now - Three months after the city was taken. Ishmael - The same Ishmael that came to Gedaliah, ver.(Jer 41:8,9), to whom he sware protection; only here we are told he was of the royal blood, which might both raise his spirits, as having a more legal pretence to the government, and rendered him a fitter instrument, for Baalis the king or queen of the Ammonites to make use of. The princes - Some of the princes, who had escaped the army of the king of Babylon.

3: Slew - All those who were about the court of Gedaliah.

4: No man - No man who lived at any distance from Mizpah.

5: There came men - Who possibly had not heard of the temple being burnt. Cut themselves - With all indications of mourning used in those countries.

8: He forebare - His covetousness prevailed over his cruelty.

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