Jeremiah 41:17,18

1. The reasoning of the people (Jeremiah 41:17-18)

TRANSLATION

(17) And setting out they lodged at Gerut-Chimham near Bethlehem with the purpose of going on to Egypt. (18) They feared because of the Chaldeans since Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

COMMENTS

The remnant was completely dismayed and unnerved by the events of the past few days. They feared the wrath of king Nebuchadnezzar. After all, the governor whom he had appointed was dead and several Chaldean officers had been slain. No doubt Nebuchadnezzar would construe this as an act of overt rebellion against his authority. Since the real assassins had escaped, surely the Chaldeans would pour out their wrath on the Jews who remained in the land. They must leave the land before the soldiers of Nebuchadnezzar appeared on the scene. Without even pausing to return to Mizpah to gather their belongings the Jews headed south in panic-stricken flight. They stopped for the night near Bethlehem at the habitation (or inn) of Chimham.[350] The Hebrew word translated habitation (geruth) occurs only here. Along major thoroughfares in antiquity benevolent souls would erect rude and simple shelters for the benefit of travelers.[351] It was at one of these rest stops (called khans) that the tired remnant stopped for the night. Their intention was to seek safety in Egypt. As long as Gedaliah was alive the tiny community and prospered. The utter confusion and helplessness of the remnant after the governor's death only serves to underscore the marvelous leadership of Gedaliah.

[350] Chimham was a son of Barzillai (2 Samuel 19:37) the kindly old gentleman who befriended David when he was in flight from his son Absalom. It may be that David had made a land grant to Chimham in gratitude for what his father had done.

[351] Streane, op. cit., p. 269.