Jeremiah 41:13
When all the people with Ishmael saw Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the army with him, they rejoiced,
When all the people with Ishmael
This phrase refers to the group of people who were with Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, a member of the royal family and one of the officers of the king. Ishmael had recently assassinated Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians, and taken captives from Mizpah. The people with Ishmael were likely a mix of his followers and those he had taken captive, including soldiers, women, children, and court officials. This event occurs during a tumultuous period following the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, when Judah was under Babylonian control.

saw Johanan son of Kareah
Johanan, son of Kareah, was a military leader who opposed Ishmael's actions. He had warned Gedaliah about Ishmael's intentions but was not heeded. After the assassination, Johanan pursued Ishmael to rescue the captives. Johanan represents a remnant of the Judean leadership trying to stabilize the region after the Babylonian conquest. His actions are seen as an attempt to restore order and protect the people from further harm.

and all the commanders of the army with him
This indicates that Johanan was not acting alone but had the support of other military leaders. These commanders were likely part of the remaining Judean forces that had not been exiled or killed by the Babylonians. Their presence suggests a coordinated effort to counteract Ishmael's rebellion and protect the remaining population of Judah. This reflects the fragmented state of Judah's leadership and military after the fall of Jerusalem.

they rejoiced
The people's rejoicing upon seeing Johanan and his commanders suggests relief and hope for deliverance from Ishmael's oppressive control. This reaction highlights the desperation and fear experienced by the captives under Ishmael. The joy also signifies a turning point, as Johanan's intervention offers a chance for stability and safety. This moment can be seen as a foreshadowing of God's deliverance and protection for His people, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ishmael
A member of the royal family and one of the officers of the king, who had assassinated Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians.

2. Johanan son of Kareah
A military leader who opposed Ishmael and sought to rescue the people Ishmael had taken captive.

3. The People with Ishmael
These were the captives taken by Ishmael after he killed Gedaliah. They were likely fearful and uncertain about their future.

4. The Commanders of the Army
These were the leaders who accompanied Johanan in his mission to confront Ishmael and rescue the captives.

5. The Event of Rejoicing
The captives' reaction upon seeing Johanan and his men, indicating relief and hope for deliverance from Ishmael's control.
Teaching Points
Deliverance and Hope
Just as the captives rejoiced at the sight of Johanan, believers can find hope and joy in God's deliverance from spiritual captivity.

Leadership and Courage
Johanan's actions demonstrate the importance of godly leadership and courage in confronting evil and protecting the vulnerable.

God's Sovereignty in Chaos
Despite the political chaos and betrayal, God's plan for His people prevails, reminding us of His sovereignty in our lives.

Community and Support
The rejoicing of the captives highlights the importance of community and support in times of distress and uncertainty.

Trust in God's Timing
The captives' deliverance came at the right moment, teaching us to trust in God's perfect timing for our own deliverance and breakthroughs.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the reaction of the captives in Jeremiah 41:13 reflect our own responses to God's deliverance in our lives?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate leadership and courage like Johanan in our communities today?

3. How does the theme of rejoicing in deliverance found in Jeremiah 41:13 connect with other biblical accounts of deliverance?

4. What can we learn about God's sovereignty and timing from the events in Jeremiah 41?

5. How can we foster a sense of community and support among believers, especially during times of crisis or uncertainty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 40-41
Provides the broader context of Ishmael's betrayal and the political turmoil following the fall of Jerusalem.

2 Kings 25
Offers a parallel account of the events surrounding the Babylonian conquest and the appointment of Gedaliah as governor.

Psalm 126:1-3
Reflects the theme of joy and deliverance, similar to the captives' rejoicing upon seeing Johanan.

Exodus 14:30-31
Illustrates a similar deliverance when the Israelites were saved from the Egyptians, leading to rejoicing and faith in God.
A Great Crime and its ConsequenceD. Young Jeremiah 41:1-18
The Devil a Bad PaymasterS. Conway Jeremiah 41:11-15
People
Ahikam, Ammonites, Asa, Baasha, Babylonians, Chimham, Elishama, Gedaliah, Gibeon, Ishmael, Jeremiah, Johanan, Kareah, Nebuzaradan, Nethaniah, Shaphan
Places
Babylon, Bethlehem, Egypt, Geruth Chimham, Gibeon, Mizpah, Samaria, Shechem, Shiloh
Topics
Army, Captains, Commanders, Forces, Glad, Heads, Ishmael, Ish'mael, Johanan, Joha'nan, Kareah, Kare'ah, Leaders, Officers, Pass, Rejoice, Rejoiced
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 41:13

     8287   joy, experience

Library
Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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