Jeremiah 40:11
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The text highlights that even in their scattered exile, these Jews were keenly listening for news from home. Their return wasn't just about finding safety, but about rejoining their community under a divinely appointed leader.
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)
After the devastation of Jerusalem, many Judeans had fled to surrounding nations like Moab and Ammon for safety. This verse reveals that news of the Babylonian king's decision to leave a remnant and appoint a governor named Gedaliah reached these scattered exiles. This report sparked hope among them, prompting a return to their homeland.
Judah has fallen, and its people are scattered like sheep. But even in the aftermath of devastation, a whisper of hope emerges.
Imagine the scene: Jerusalem in ruins, the land ravaged. Many Judeans fled to surrounding nations like Moab, Ammon, and Edom, seeking refuge. Yet, in this bleak landscape, news arrives that changes everything.
A Government of Hope
King Nebuchadnezzar, the conqueror, didn't obliterate every single person. He left a 'remnant' in Judah. More importantly, he appointed Gedaliah, a man known for his integrity (son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan – names associated with faithfulness in Jeremiah's past), as governor. This wasn't just a political appointment; it was a sign of potential restoration.
This news traveled far. It reached those who had fled, offering them a reason to consider returning. It was the first step towards re-gathering a broken people.
In a world defined by conquest and despair, the appointment of a governor like Gedaliah is remarkable. It speaks volumes about God's enduring plan.
The appointment of Gedaliah wasn't merely a pragmatic decision by the Babylonian king; it was a profound act of divine mercy. Despite Judah's disobedience and the resulting judgment, God didn't abandon His people entirely.
God's Steadfast Love in Action
Nebuchadnezzar's decision to leave a remnant and appoint Gedaliah was an expression of God's grace, tempering the severity of His judgment. It was a way for God to preserve a future for His people and the land.
Ask a follow-up
Gedaliah himself represented this mercy. As the son of Ahikam, who had previously protected Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:24), he was known for his loyalty and wisdom. His governorship offered a chance for those in exile or hiding to return and rebuild, not under harsh oppression, but under a leader appointed by God's permissive will.
The fact that news of this appointment traveled to distant lands and sparked a return signifies that God was actively working, even through foreign powers, to gather His scattered flock.
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.
This verse captures a pivotal moment of hope and return after immense devastation, highlighting how news of a stable, appointed leadership could draw scattered people back to their homeland.
597 BC
First Deportation of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquers Jerusalem, exiling King Jehoiachin and a significant portion of the population, including the prophet Ezekiel.
597-587 BC
Reign of Zedekiah
Zedekiah is placed on the throne of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, but his reign is marked by rebellion and ultimately leads to Jerusalem's final destruction.
587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem, burns the Temple, and deports most of the remaining population. Only the very poor are left behind.
c. 586 BC
Gedaliah Appointed Governor
Nebuchadnezzar appoints Gedaliah, a Jew, as governor over the remnant left in Judah, establishing a fragile administration.
c. 586 BC
Refugees Hear the News
Jews who had fled to surrounding nations like Moab, Ammon, and Edom hear about the remnant and Gedaliah's appointment.
c. 586 BC
Return of Exiles
Encouraged by the news, many Jewish refugees begin to return to Judah to join the remnant under Gedaliah's leadership.
This passage highlights a similar historical precedent where people from Judah fled to Moab during times of hardship, providing context for why Judeans might seek refuge in neighboring lands.
2 Kings 25:11-12These verses describe the Babylonian army taking captive the skilled people of Judah, leaving only the poorest behind, which directly sets the stage for the remnant mentioned in Jeremiah 40:11 and the potential for rebuilding.
Ezekiel 34:22-24This prophetic passage speaks of God's promise to restore His people under a new shepherd, aligning with the appointment of Gedaliah as a leader for the remaining remnant and the hope for their future.
Jeremiah 39:10This verse immediately precedes the one in question and explicitly states that Nebuzaradan left the poorest of the people in Judah, providing the direct reason for the 'remnant' that those in exile heard about.
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.
The text highlights that even in their scattered exile, these Jews were keenly listening for news from home. Their return wasn't just about finding safety, but about rejoining their community under a divinely appointed leader.
After the devastation of Jerusalem, many Judeans had fled to surrounding nations like Moab and Ammon for safety. This verse reveals that news of the Babylonian king's decision to leave a remnant and appoint a governor named Gedaliah reached these scattered exiles. This report sparked hope among them, prompting a return to their homeland.
After the devastation of Jerusalem, many Judeans had fled to surrounding nations like Moab and Ammon for safety. This verse reveals that news of the Babylonian king's decision to leave a remnant and appoint a governor named Gedaliah reached these scattered exiles. This report sparked hope among them, prompting a return to their homeland.
"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…" — The text highlights that even in their scattered exile, these Jews were keenly listening for news from home. Their return wasn't just about finding safety, but about rejoining their community under a…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
