Jeremiah 40:1-13

The Commencement Of Judah's Restoration Is Thwarted By The Assassination Of Gedaliah The Governor And By The Refusal Of The People To Listen To Jeremiah As They Take Refuge In Egypt (Jeremiah 40:1 to Jeremiah 43:13).

This deals with ‘the word that came to Jeremiah from YHWH' after he had been delivered from his manacles by Nebuzaradan. It opens with the historical background to this prophecy in which Gedaliah, Nebuchadrezzar's appointed Governor, commences the re-establishment of Judah in the land (40), and is then assassinated (Jeremiah 41:1), resulting in the decision by the people of Judah to seek refuge from Nebuchadrezzar's revenge in Egypt (Jeremiah 41:11). However, prior to doing so they consult Jeremiah who gives them ‘the word of YHWH' that they are to remain in the land under His protection (42).

But as always Judah choose to disobey YHWH and do seek refuge in Egypt, with the consequence that Jeremiah vividly prophecies that Nebuchadrezzar's retribution will overtake them there (43).