Jeremiah 40:11
Likewise, when all the Judeans who were in Moab and among the Ammonites and in Edom and in other lands heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant in Judah and had appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, as governor over them,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that even in the darkest times, when their homeland was devastated, the hope of return and rebuilding was strong enough to draw scattered exiles back from diverse lands. It shows God’s sustained faithfulness, not only preserving a remnant but also enabling the dispersed to hear the news and consider coming home.
After the devastation of Jerusalem and the deportation of many Judeans, Nebuchadnezzar surprisingly left a remnant in the land and appointed Gedaliah as governor. This passage describes how Jews who had fled to neighboring countries like Moab, Ammon, and Edom heard about this new administration and Gedaliah's leadership. The news prompted many of these scattered exiles to return to Judah, seeking safety and the opportunity to rebuild their lives under Gedaliah's rule.
After the utter destruction of Jerusalem and the devastation of Judah, where did the Jewish people go? And why did they end up in places like Moab and Ammon?
This verse paints a picture of a people scattered to the winds after a national catastrophe. Many Judeans, fearing the Babylonian onslaught or fleeing the destruction, sought refuge in neighboring lands like Moab, Ammon, and Edom.
It wasn't uncommon for people in that era to scatter during times of war. These weren't necessarily willing exiles in the same way those taken to Babylon were; many were refugees. They were spread out, likely fearful and uncertain about their future, living as strangers in foreign territories.
God's plan, however, wasn't to let His people vanish. Even in their dispersion, He was orchestrating events that would allow for a return.
Amidst the ruins and scattering, a crucial appointment was made. Who was Gedaliah, and why was his leadership significant for those considering a return?
The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, didn't simply annihilate Judah. He left behind a 'remnant'—a small group of the poorest people—and appointed Gedaliah as governor.
Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, was from a respected family. His father Ahikam had protected the prophet Jeremiah earlier, suggesting Gedaliah himself might have been known for wisdom and integrity. This appointment wasn't arbitrary; it was a strategic move by Babylon to maintain some order and utilize the land.
Crucially, for the scattered Judeans hearing this news, Gedaliah's governorship offered a beacon of hope. It signaled that Judah was not entirely abandoned and that a legitimate, even potentially benevolent, authority was in place, making return a viable and safer option.
Understand the original words
she'erit · Hebrew Noun
A portion of a people or a group left behind after a catastrophe, war, or divine judgment. In biblical theology, the "remnant" often refers to a faithful minority that remains true to God despite widespread apostasy or national calamity.
pechah · Hebrew Noun
A political office involving administrative rule and stewardship over a region, often serving under the authority of a higher power or sovereign king. In the Bible, governors act as representatives of the governing authority.
The verse highlights a moment of fragile hope, where exiled Judeans scattered across neighboring lands hear of a remnant being left in Judah under a new governor, prompting their return, before tragedy strikes again.
c. 597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, deports King Jehoiachin and a significant portion of Jerusalem's elite to Babylon.
c. 588-586 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem, culminating in its destruction and a second, larger deportation of Judeans to Babylon. Many flee to surrounding nations.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Appointment of Gedaliah
Nebuchadnezzar appoints Gedaliah, a Judean nobleman, as governor over the remaining population in Judah, establishing a remnant community.
c. 586 BC
Return of Jewish Refugees
Hearing of Gedaliah's appointment and the establishment of a remnant, Jewish refugees who had fled to Moab, Ammon, Edom, and other lands begin to return to Judah.
This passage shows a similar loyalty and commitment to return to Judah, even after experiencing displacement and loss, mirroring the sentiment of the exiles hearing about Gedaliah's appointment.
Deuteronomy 30:3This verse speaks of God's promise to restore the exiled people and gather them from all the nations, which is directly echoed in the actions of these dispersed Judeans returning.
Ezekiel 36:24This prophecy foretells God gathering the people from the nations and bringing them back to their own land, aligning with the return described in Jeremiah 40:11-12.
Jeremiah 29:14This passage offers a promise of God's restoration and return from exile, providing the theological background for why these scattered people would indeed hear and respond to news of a remnant being left.
calvinJeremiah 40:11-12: "Likewise when all the Jews that were in Moab, and among the Ammonites, and in Edom, and that were in all the countries, heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant of Judah, and that he had set over them Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan;"
- Likewise when all the Jews that were in Moab, and among the Ammonites, and in Edom, and that were in all the countries, heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant of Judah, and that he had set over them Gedalia…
pooleJeremiah 40:11: "Likewise when all the Jews that were in Moab, and among the Ammonites, and in Edom, and that were in all the countries, heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant of Judah, and that he had set over them Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan;"
No text from Poole on this verse.
This verse highlights that even in the darkest times, when their homeland was devastated, the hope of return and rebuilding was strong enough to draw scattered exiles back from diverse lands. It shows God’s sustained faithfulness, not only preserving a remnant but also enabling the dispersed to hear the news and consider coming home.
After the devastation of Jerusalem and the deportation of many Judeans, Nebuchadnezzar surprisingly left a remnant in the land and appointed Gedaliah as governor. This passage describes how Jews who had fled to neighboring countries like Moab, Ammon, and Edom heard about this new administration and Gedaliah's leadership. The news prompted many of these scattered exiles to return to Judah, seeking safety and the opportunity to rebuild their lives under Gedaliah's rule.
After the devastation of Jerusalem and the deportation of many Judeans, Nebuchadnezzar surprisingly left a remnant in the land and appointed Gedaliah as governor. This passage describes how Jews who had fled to neighboring countries like Moab, Ammon, and Edom heard about this new administration and Gedaliah's leadership. The news prompted many of these scattered exiles to return to Judah, seeking safety and the opportunity to rebuild their lives under Gedaliah's rule.
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c. 585 BC
Assassination of Gedaliah
Ishmael, a prince of the royal line, assassinates Gedaliah and his advisors, plunging the remnant community into further chaos and fear.
c. 585 BC
Flight to Egypt
Fearing Babylonian retribution after Gedaliah's murder, a large group of Judeans, including the prophet Jeremiah, flee to Egypt.
"Likewise, when all the Judeans who were in Moab and among the Ammonites and in Edom and in other lands heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant in Judah and had appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, as governor ove…" — This verse highlights that even in the darkest times, when their homeland was devastated, the hope of return and rebuilding was strong enough to draw scattered exiles back from diverse lands. It show…
