Johanan and Jonathan, sons of Kareah, are notable figures in the biblical narrative found primarily in the Book of Jeremiah. They were military leaders during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC.

Background and Context

Kareah, their father, is mentioned as the father of Johanan and Jonathan, though little else is known about him. The sons of Kareah were part of the remnant left in Judah after the Babylonian conquest. This period was marked by political instability and fear, as the people of Judah grappled with the aftermath of the destruction and the exile of many of their compatriots.

Role in the Biblical Narrative

Johanan, the more prominently mentioned of the two brothers, emerges as a leader among the remaining military officers in Judah. He is first introduced in Jeremiah 40:8, where he and other officers come to Mizpah to meet with Gedaliah, whom the Babylonians appointed as governor over the land. The Berean Standard Bible states: "they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—namely, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah son of the Maacathite, they and their men."

Johanan's leadership is further highlighted when he warns Gedaliah of a plot against his life by Ishmael son of Nethaniah, as recorded in Jeremiah 40:13-14. Despite Johanan's warning, Gedaliah dismisses the threat, which ultimately leads to his assassination by Ishmael (Jeremiah 41:2).

Following Gedaliah's murder, Johanan takes decisive action. He gathers the remaining people, including soldiers, women, children, and eunuchs, whom Ishmael had taken captive, and successfully rescues them from Ishmael's grasp (Jeremiah 41:11-16). This act solidifies Johanan's position as a leader and protector of the remnant in Judah.

Flight to Egypt

Despite his leadership, Johanan faces a critical decision regarding the future of the remnant. Fearing Babylonian retribution for the assassination of Gedaliah, Johanan and the people consider fleeing to Egypt for safety. Seeking divine guidance, they approach the prophet Jeremiah, asking him to pray for direction from the LORD (Jeremiah 42:1-3).

Jeremiah receives a word from the LORD, instructing the people to remain in Judah and promising them safety and restoration if they obey. However, if they choose to go to Egypt, they will face the very destruction they seek to avoid (Jeremiah 42:10-16). Despite this clear warning, Johanan and the leaders accuse Jeremiah of lying and decide to lead the remnant to Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them (Jeremiah 43:1-7).

Significance

The actions of Johanan and Jonathan, sons of Kareah, reflect the broader themes of trust, obedience, and the consequences of disobedience to God's word. Their account serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the remnant of Judah and the importance of seeking and adhering to divine guidance, even in times of fear and uncertainty.