King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 40:13 Mean?
“Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,”
Jeremiah 40:13 · KJV
Context
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;
12
Even all the Jews returned out of all places whither they were driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, unto Mizpah, and gathered wine and summer fruits very much.
13
Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
14
And said unto him, Dost thou certainly know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay thee? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not. to slay: Heb. to strike thee in soul?
15
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: wherefore should he slay thee, that all the Jews which are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant in Judah perish?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryJohanan son of Kareah's arrival 'and all the captains of the forces that were in the fields' marks a critical juncture—these military leaders came with intelligence about a conspiracy against Gedaliah. The phrase 'in the fields' indicates these men maintained military presence outside Mizpah, possibly as security forces or because they didn't fully trust the new arrangement. Their coming to Gedaliah shows a communication structure existed and at least some leaders felt loyalty and concern for the governor's safety. This verse begins a sequence (verses 13-16) where Johanan attempts to warn Gedaliah about Ishmael's plot, demonstrating that not all military leaders were conspirators. Johanan emerges as a complex figure: initially protective of Gedaliah, warning him of danger, but later leading survivors to Egypt against Jeremiah's counsel (chapter 43). This shows how the same person can exercise wisdom in one area while failing in another, and how human character contains contradictions. The passage also reveals that political intelligence gathering occurred—somehow Johanan learned of Baalis king of Ammon's involvement in plotting Gedaliah's assassination. This sets up the tragic irony that Gedaliah, despite being warned, refuses to believe the threat (verse 16), showing how even wise leaders can have fatal blind spots.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Johanan son of Kareah first appeared in verse 8 among the military captains who came to Gedaliah at Mizpah. That he now returns with urgent warning suggests he had been operating at some distance, perhaps patrolling borders or monitoring regional developments. His role 'and all the captains of the forces that were in the fields' indicates he led or coordinated multiple military units outside Mizpah proper, making him a significant power broker. These forces were likely guerrilla units that had operated during Jerusalem's siege, avoiding direct confrontation with Babylon while maintaining presence in Judean countryside. Their continued existence under Gedaliah's governorship provided security but also potential instability if they turned against him. Johanan's warning about Ishmael reflects the complex political situation: Gedaliah governed with Babylonian backing, but other powers (particularly Ammon) resented Babylon's hegemony and sought to destabilize pro-Babylonian governance in neighboring territories. Ammon likely saw an unstable Judah as beneficial, preventing any revival of Judean power on their western border. That Johanan had intelligence about foreign involvement shows these military leaders maintained information networks throughout the region.
Reflection Questions
- How does Johanan's character arc illustrate that wise action in one situation doesn't guarantee faithful choices in future circumstances?
- What does this passage teach about the importance of taking security threats seriously even when they seem unlikely or uncomfortable to acknowledge?
- Why do leaders sometimes refuse to believe warnings about people they trust, and how can this spiritual vulnerability be addressed?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsבֶּן2 of 12
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְכָל4 of 12
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַחֲיָלִ֖ים6 of 12
“of the forces”
H2428probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 12
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Jeremiah 40:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Jeremiah 40:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge