Lux Domini
Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.

Study Helps

Interpretation

Jeremiah had never in his prophecies spoken of any good days for the Jews, to come immediately after the captivity; yet Providence seemed to encourage such an expectation. But how soon is this hopeful prospect blighted!

Read with

This thought runs through Jeremiah 40:7-9.

Glossary

Gedaliah Person
Made great by Jehovah. (1. ) the son of Jeduthum ( 1 Chr. 25:3 , 9). (2. ) The grandfather of the prophet Zephaniah, and the father of Cushi ( Zeph. 1:1 ). (3. ) One of the Jewish nobles who conspired against Jeremiah.
Mizpah Place
Or Miz’peh, watch-tower; the look-out. (1. ) A place in Gilead, so named by Laban, who overtook Jacob at this spot ( Gen. 31:49 ) on his return to Palestine from Padan-aram. Modern identification: Tell en Nasbeh.
Jonathan Person
Whom Jehovah gave, the name of fifteen or more persons that are mentioned in Scripture. The chief of these are, (1. ) A Levite descended from Gershom ( Judg. 18:30 ). His history is recorded in 17:7-13 and 18:30.
Kareah Person
Bald, the father of Johanan and Jonathan, who for a time were loyal to Gedaliah, the Babylonian governor of Jerusalem ( Jer. 40:8 , 13, 15, 16).
Nethaniah Person
Given of Jehovah. (1. ) One of Asaph’s sons, appointed by David to minister in the temple ( 1 Chr. 25:2 , 12). (2. ) A Levite sent by Jehoshaphat to teach the law ( 2 Chr. 17:8 ). (3. ) Jer. 36:14 . (4. ) 2 Kings 25:23 , 25.
Seraiah Person
Soldier of Jehovah. (1. ) The father of Joab ( 1 Chr. 4:13 , 14). (2. ) The grandfather of Jehu ( 1 Chr. 4:35 ). (3. ) One of David’s scribes or secretaries ( 2 Sam. 8:17 ). (4. ) A Netophathite.