Kare'ah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the events following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The name "Kare'ah" means "bald" in Hebrew, and he is primarily recognized as the father of Johanan and Jonathan, who were significant leaders during the tumultuous period after the fall of Jerusalem.

Biblical References:

Kare'ah is mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah, where his sons play a crucial role in the narrative. The primary references to Kare'ah are found in Jeremiah 40-43. Although Kare'ah himself is not a central figure, his sons, particularly Johanan, are prominent in the efforts to stabilize the remnant of Judah after the Babylonian conquest.

Context and Role:

1. Family and Leadership:
Kare'ah is identified as the father of Johanan and Jonathan. Johanan, the more prominent of the two, emerges as a leader among the remnant of Judah. After the assassination of Gedaliah, whom the Babylonians appointed as governor over the land, Johanan takes a leading role in protecting the people from further chaos and potential threats.

2. Interaction with Gedaliah:
Johanan, son of Kare'ah, warns Gedaliah about a plot against his life by Ishmael, son of Nethaniah. Despite Johanan's warning, Gedaliah does not believe him, which ultimately leads to Gedaliah's assassination (Jeremiah 40:13-16). This event plunges the remnant into further instability.

3. Flight to Egypt:
After Gedaliah's assassination, Johanan and the other leaders, along with the people, fear retribution from the Babylonians. Despite the prophet Jeremiah's counsel to remain in the land and trust in God's protection, Johanan leads the remnant into Egypt, seeking safety (Jeremiah 42:1-43:7). This decision is portrayed as an act of disobedience to God's directive through Jeremiah.

Theological Significance:

Kare'ah's mention in the biblical narrative, though brief, is significant due to his sons' involvement in the post-exilic community's struggles. The actions of Johanan, son of Kare'ah, highlight themes of leadership, trust in God, and the consequences of disobedience. The narrative underscores the importance of heeding prophetic guidance and the challenges faced by the remnant in maintaining faithfulness amidst political and social upheaval.

Historical and Cultural Insights:

The period following the Babylonian conquest was marked by uncertainty and fear. Leaders like Johanan, son of Kare'ah, were tasked with navigating the complex dynamics of survival, loyalty, and faith. The decision to flee to Egypt reflects the broader historical context of seeking refuge in a powerful neighboring nation, a recurring theme in Israel's history.

In summary, while Kare'ah himself is not a central figure, his legacy is carried through his sons, particularly Johanan, whose actions and decisions are pivotal in the narrative of Judah's remnant during a critical period of their history.Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)

2 Kings 25:23
Now when all the captains of the forces, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite and Jaazaniah the son of the Maacathite, they and their men.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 40:8
and they come in unto Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan sons of Kareah, and Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah son of the Maachathite, they and their men.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 40:13
And Johanan son of Kareah, and all the heads of the forces that 'are' in the field, have come in unto Gedaliah to Mizpah,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 40:15
And Johanan son of Kareah hath spoken unto Gedaliah in secret, in Mizpah, saying, 'Let me go, I pray thee, and I smite Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and no one doth know; why doth he smite thy soul? and scattered have been all Judah who are gathered unto thee, and perished hath the remnant of Judah.'
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 40:16
And Gedaliah son of Ahikam saith unto Johanan son of Kareah, 'Thou dost not do this thing, for falsehood thou art speaking concerning Ishmael.'
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 41:11
And hear doth Johanan son of Kareah, and all the heads of the forces that 'are' with him, of all the evil that Ishmael son of Nethaniah hath done,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 41:13
And it cometh to pass, when all the people who 'are' with Ishmael see Johanan son of Kareah, and all the heads of the forces who 'are' with him, that they rejoice.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 41:14
And all the people whom Ishmael hath taken captive from Mizpah turn round, yea, they turn back, and go unto Johanan son of Kareah.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 41:16
And Johanan son of Kareah, and all the heads of the forces who 'are' with him, take all the remnant of the people whom he hath brought back from Ishmael son of Nethaniah, from Mizpah -- after he had smitten Gedaliah son of Ahikam -- mighty ones, men of war, and women, and infants, and eunuchs, whom he had brought back from Gibeon,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 42:1
And they come nigh -- all the heads of the forces, and Johanan son of Kareah, and Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest --
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 42:8
and he calleth unto Johanan son of Kareah, and unto all the heads of the forces that 'are' with him, and to all the people, from the least even unto the greatest,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 43:2
that Azariah son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan son of Kareah, and all the proud men, speak unto Jeremiah, saying, 'Falsehood thou art speaking; Jehovah our God hath not sent thee to say, Do not enter Egypt to sojourn there;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 43:4
And Johanan son of Kareah, and all the heads of the forces, and all the people, have not hearkened to the voice of Jehovah, to dwell in the land of Judah;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 43:5
and Johanan son of Kareah, and all the heads of the forces, take all the remnant of Judah who have turned from all the nations whither they were driven to sojourn in the land of Judah,
(See RSV)

Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)
Kare'ah. Kareah, Kare'ah. Kariathiarius . Multi-Version Concordance
Kare'ah (14 Occurrences). 2 Kings 25:23 Now when all the captains ...
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Kareah (14 Occurrences)

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Kariathiarius

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