Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version and said to him, “Don’t you know that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them. New Living Translation They said to him, “Did you know that Baalis, king of Ammon, has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to assassinate you?” But Gedaliah refused to believe them. English Standard Version and said to him, “Do you know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam would not believe them. Berean Standard Bible and said to him, “Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them. Berean Literal Bible and they said to him: “Do you know for certain that Baalis the king of the sons of the Ammon has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to strike your soul?” And Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not trust them. King James Bible 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. New King James Version and said to him, “Do you certainly know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to murder you?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them. New American Standard Bible and said to him, “Are you well aware that Baalis the king of the sons of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them. NASB 1995 and said to him, “Are you well aware that Baalis the king of the sons of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them. NASB 1977 and said to him, “Are you well aware that Baalis the king of the sons of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them. Legacy Standard Bible and said to him, “Do you indeed know that Baalis the king of the sons of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to strike down your life?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them. Amplified Bible and said to him, “Do you know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them. Berean Annotated Bible and said to him, “Are you aware that Baalis (lord of the banner) king of the Ammonites (tribal) has sent Ishmael (God hears) son of Nethaniah (given of YHWH) to take your life? But Gedaliah (YHWH is great) son of Ahikam (my brother has arisen) did not believe them. Christian Standard Bible and warned him, “Don’t you realize that Baalis, king of the Ammonites, has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to kill you? ” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam would not believe them. Holman Christian Standard Bible and warned him, “Don’t you realize that Baalis, king of the Ammonites, has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to kill you?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam would not believe them. American Standard Version and said unto him, Dost thou know that Baalis the king of the children of Ammon hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take thy life? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not. Contemporary English Version They said, "Gedaliah, we came to warn you that King Baalis of Ammon hired Ishmael to murder you!" Gedaliah refused to believe them, English Revised Version and said unto him, Dost thou know that Baalis the king of the children of Ammon hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take thy life? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not. GOD'S WORD® Translation They asked him, "Do you know that King Baalis of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael, Nethaniah's son, to kill you?" However, Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, didn't believe them. Good News Translation and said to him, "Don't you know that King Baalis of Ammon has sent Ishmael to murder you?" But Gedaliah did not believe it. International Standard Version They told him, "Are you aware that Baalis, the king of the people of Ammon, has sent Nethaniah's son Ishmael to take your life?" But Ahikam's son Gedaliah did not believe them. NET Bible They said to him, "Are you at all aware that King Baalis of Ammon has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to kill you?" But Gedaliah son of Ahikam would not believe them. New Heart English Bible and said to him, "Do you know that Baalis the king of the people of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?" But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them. Webster's Bible Translation And said to 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand said to him, “Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them. World English Bible and said to him, “Do you know that Baalis the king of the children of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam didn’t believe them. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they say to him, “Do you really know that Ba‘alis king of the sons of Ammon has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to strike your soul?” And Gedaliah son of Ahikam has not given credence to them. Berean Literal Bible and they said to him: “Do you know for certain that Baalis the king of the sons of the Ammon has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to strike your soul?” And Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not trust them. Young's Literal Translation and they say unto him, 'Dost thou really know that Baalis king of the sons of Ammon hath sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to smite thy soul?' And Gedaliah son of Ahikam hath not given to them credence. Smith's Literal Translation And they will say to him, Knowing, wilt thou know that Baalis, king of the sons of Ammon sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to strike thee in soul? And Gedaliah son of Ahikam believed not in them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they said to him: Know that Baalis the king of the children of Ammon hath sent Ismahel the son of Nathanias to kill thee. And Godolias the son of Ahicam believed them not. Catholic Public Domain Version And they said to him: “Know that Baalis, the king of the sons of Ammon, has sent Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, to strike down your life.” And Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, did not believe them. New American Bible and said to him, “Surely you are aware that Baalis, the Ammonite king, has sent Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, to assassinate you?” But Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, would not believe them. New Revised Standard Version and said to him, “Are you at all aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam would not believe them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd said to him, Do you not know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay you? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they said to him: “Do you not know that Balleis, King of the children of Amon, sent Ishmayl, son of Nethaniah, to kill you?” And Gedaliah, son of Akhiqam, did not believe them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and said unto him: 'Dost thou know that Baalis the king of the children of Ammon hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take thy life?' But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not. Brenton Septuagint Translation and said to him, Dost thou indeed know that king Beleissa son of Ammon has sent Ismael to thee to slay thee? But Godolias believed them not. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Plot Against Gedaliah13Meanwhile, Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the armies in the field came to Gedaliah at Mizpah 14and said to him, “Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them. 15Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah. “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah,” he said. “No one will know it. Why should he take your life and scatter all the people of Judah who have gathered to you, so that the remnant of Judah would perish?”… Cross References and said to him, 1 Samuel 20:2-4 “Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!” / But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.” / Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you desire, I will do for you.” Esther 2:21-23 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the entrance, grew angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. / When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she informed the king on Mordecai’s behalf. / After the report had been investigated and verified, both officials were hanged on the gallows. And all this was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the presence of the king. 2 Kings 6:8-10 Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” / Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. “Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites 2 Samuel 10:1-2 Some time later, the king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son Hanun. / And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites, 1 Samuel 11:1-2 Then Nahash the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. All the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.” / But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, that I may put out everyone’s right eye and bring reproach upon all Israel.” Judges 11:12-13 Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, saying, “What do you have against me that you have come to fight against my land?” / The king of the Ammonites answered Jephthah’s messengers, “When Israel came up out of Egypt, they seized my land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and all the way to the Jordan. Now, therefore, restore it peaceably.” has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah Jeremiah 41:1-2 In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family and one of the king’s chief officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah, and they ate a meal together there. / Then Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him got up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed to govern the land. 2 Kings 25:25 In the seventh month, however, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family, came with ten men and struck down and killed Gedaliah, along with the Judeans and Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah. 1 Kings 19:1-2 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. / So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like the lives of those you killed!” to take your life?” 1 Samuel 23:15-16 While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life. / And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, 1 Kings 19:10 “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.” Exodus 4:19 Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead.” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them. Proverbs 14:15 The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps. Proverbs 29:1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. Jeremiah 39:10 But Nebuzaradan left behind in the land of Judah some of the poor people who had no property, and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields. Treasury of Scripture And said to him, Do you certainly know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay you? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not. Ammonites. Jeremiah 25:21 Edom, and Moab, and the children of Ammon, Jeremiah 41:10 Then Ishmael carried away captive all the residue of the people that were in Mizpah, even the king's daughters, and all the people that remained in Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had committed to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam: and Ishmael the son of Nethaniah carried them away captive, and departed to go over to the Ammonites. Jeremiah 49:1-6 Concerning the Ammonites, thus saith the LORD; Hath Israel no sons? hath he no heir? why then doth their king inherit Gad, and his people dwell in his cities? … Ishmael. Jeremiah 40:8 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. Jeremiah 41:2,10 Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land… Proverbs 26:23-26 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross… slay thee? Heb. 1 Corinthians 13:5-7 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; … Jump to Previous Ahikam Ahi'kam Ammon Ammonites Aware Believe Believed Children Death Faith Gedaliah Gedali'ah Indeed Ishmael Ish'mael Life Nethaniah Nethani'ah Really Slay Smite SoulJump to Next Ahikam Ahi'kam Ammon Ammonites Aware Believe Believed Children Death Faith Gedaliah Gedali'ah Indeed Ishmael Ish'mael Life Nethaniah Nethani'ah Really Slay Smite SoulJeremiah 40 1. Jeremiah, being set free by Nebuzaradan, goes to Gedaliah.7. The dispersed Jews repair unto him. 13. Johanan revealing Ishmael's conspiracy is not believed. and said to him This phrase indicates a direct communication, suggesting a personal and urgent message. The context is post-exilic Judah, where communication often carried significant weight due to the political instability. The speaker is Johanan, a military leader, addressing Gedaliah, the appointed governor. “Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them. Persons / Places / Events 1. BaalisThe king of the Ammonites, who is implicated in a plot against Gedaliah. The Ammonites were often in conflict with Israel and Judah. 2. Ishmael son of Nethaniah A member of the royal family of Judah, who is allegedly sent by Baalis to assassinate Gedaliah. His actions are pivotal in the events following the Babylonian conquest. 3. Gedaliah son of Ahikam Appointed governor over the remnant in Judah by the Babylonians. He is known for his efforts to stabilize the region post-exile but is tragically naive in this instance. 4. Ammonites A neighboring nation often at odds with Israel. Their involvement in this plot highlights the political intrigue and instability of the time. 5. Mizpah The location where Gedaliah governed and where these events unfold. It served as a center of administration after the fall of Jerusalem. Teaching Points The Importance of DiscernmentGedaliah's failure to heed the warning about Ishmael's plot serves as a cautionary tale about the need for discernment and wisdom in leadership. The Consequences of Naivety Ignoring credible warnings can lead to disastrous outcomes, as seen in the assassination of Gedaliah and the resulting turmoil. Trust and Verification While trust is essential, it should be balanced with verification, especially in matters of security and leadership. The Role of Godly Counsel Seeking and heeding godly counsel can prevent unnecessary harm and guide us in making wise decisions. Understanding Political Intrigue The political dynamics of the time remind us of the complexities leaders face and the need for prayerful support for those in authority. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 40:14?2. How does Jeremiah 40:14 illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in decisions? 3. What lessons can we learn from Ishmael's plot against Gedaliah in Jeremiah 40:14? 4. How does Jeremiah 40:14 connect with themes of betrayal found in other scriptures? 5. How can we apply the warning in Jeremiah 40:14 to our daily lives? 6. What role does discernment play in understanding the events of Jeremiah 40:14? 7. Why did Ishmael conspire to kill Gedaliah in Jeremiah 40:14? 8. How does Jeremiah 40:14 reflect on God's protection over His chosen leaders? 9. What historical context led to the events in Jeremiah 40:14? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 40? 11. Jeremiah 40 (especially verses 13-16) - Are there any external accounts to corroborate or challenge the internal conflicts hinted at, particularly with Ishmael's faction? 12. In 2 Samuel 10:8–9, is there any extrabiblical record indicating the precise locations and numbers of soldiers involved in these battles? 13. Who was Gedaliah in the Bible? 14. Jeremiah 40:5-6 - How historically plausible is it that Jeremiah traveled freely to live with Gedaliah despite the chaos of the Babylonian occupation? What Does Jeremiah 40:14 Mean And said to him• The speakers are “Johanan son of Kareah and all the captains of the forces” (Jeremiah 40:13). • These men had remained in the land after Babylon’s victory and were under Governor Gedaliah’s leadership (Jeremiah 40:7–10). • Their coming “and said to him” highlights responsible leaders who speak up when danger threatens (cf. Ezekiel 33:6). Are you aware • The question signals urgency and a call to alertness (Proverbs 27:12). • God often warns His people before disaster strikes, giving opportunity to act wisely (Amos 3:7; Matthew 24:42). • Gedaliah is being invited to weigh evidence, test motives, and seek God’s guidance (James 1:5). That Baalis king of the Ammonites • Baalis represents a long-standing enemy of Judah (Jeremiah 49:1; Judges 11:12–27). • The Ammonites had allied themselves with Babylon’s foes earlier (Jeremiah 27:3). • Political intrigue from a neighboring king shows that Judah’s troubles were not over just because Babylon had conquered Jerusalem. Has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah • Ishmael was “of royal descent” (Jeremiah 41:1), possibly feeling entitled to the throne after Zedekiah’s fall (2 Kings 25:1–7). • His being “sent” suggests deliberate commissioning; the plot is not random violence but orchestrated rebellion (Psalm 2:2). • Alliances between disgruntled insiders and foreign powers illustrate how divided loyalties endanger God’s people (Nehemiah 6:12–14). To take your life? • The aim is assassination, intended to destabilize the fledgling administration and provoke Babylonian retaliation (Jeremiah 41:2). • Murdering a governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar would invite severe consequences for the remnant (Jeremiah 40:11–12; Romans 13:4). • Satan often targets shepherds to scatter flocks (Zechariah 13:7; John 10:12). But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them • Gedaliah’s family history was noble—his father had protected Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:24)—yet past faithfulness does not replace present discernment (Proverbs 14:15). • His refusal to investigate the claim led directly to the slaughter detailed in Jeremiah 41:2–3 and a national crisis (Jeremiah 41:16–18). • Trust is commendable, but unchecked gullibility toward evil intentions exposes God’s people to needless harm (Matthew 10:16; 1 Peter 5:8). summary Jeremiah 40:14 describes a credible warning that Baalis, king of the Ammonites, had commissioned Ishmael to assassinate Governor Gedaliah. The verse unfolds a pattern: a faithful warning, a hostile plot, and a leader’s refusal to act. Gedaliah’s disbelief sets the stage for tragedy in the next chapter. The passage underscores God’s call to vigilance, wise evaluation of counsel, and responsible protection of His people. (14) Dost thou certainly know that Baalis . . .--The king of the Ammonites so named appears from Jeremiah 27:3 to have been in alliance with Zedekiah; and Ishmael, as belonging to the royal house of Judah, seems to have been still plotting with him against the authority of the Chaldaeans. Open resistance being now impossible, they have recourse to assassination. The plot becomes known, and Johanan, faithful to his new protector, warns him against it, but, as the sequel shows, in vain. Gedaliah, in the guileless trustfulness of his character, does not believe that Ishmael is capable of such a crime, and will not sanction another crime by way of precaution.Verse 14. - Baalis the king of the Ammonites. Perhaps the same king referred to in Jeremiah 27:3 as seeking alliance with Zedekiah. He was naturally opposed to the Babylonian official, Gedaliah. Hath sent Ishmael. Ishmael was connected with the royal family (Jeremiah 41:1), and was probably jealous of Gedaliah. |
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