JEREMIAH 40

JEREMIAH REMAINS IN JUDAH TO ADVISE GEDALIAH 

Nebuchadnezzar appoints Nebuzaradan, his captain, to oversee Judah. Jeremiah is given the choice to go to Babylon or remain in Judah. Jeremiah remains in Judah to advise Gedaliah, the appointed governor of the Judah’s remnant under Babylonian control. Jeremiah encourages Gedaliah to plant vineyards and peacefully dwell in the land.

Ishmael, a ruler in Judah, wants Gedaliah killed. Johanan, one of the leaders of Judah, hears of this news and offers to kill Ishmael. Gedaliah is not concerned by the threat and does not have Ishmael killed.