The men with Ishmael refer to a group of individuals who accompanied Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, during a significant and tumultuous event in the history of Judah following the Babylonian conquest. This event is recorded in the Book of Jeremiah, specifically in chapters 40 and 41, and provides insight into the political instability and intrigue that characterized the period after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC.

Background Context

After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, as the governor over the remnant of Judah. Gedaliah established his administration at Mizpah and sought to encourage the remaining Judeans to live peacefully under Babylonian rule. However, this period of relative calm was short-lived due to the actions of Ishmael.

Ishmael, Son of Nethaniah

Ishmael was of royal blood, being a member of the Davidic line, and was one of the officers of the king. He harbored ambitions and grievances, possibly fueled by his royal lineage and opposition to Gedaliah's cooperation with the Babylonians. Ishmael's actions were also influenced by Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, who conspired against Gedaliah.

The Assassination of Gedaliah

Jeremiah 41:1-3 recounts the treacherous act: "In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was of royal blood and had been one of the king’s officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah. And while they were eating a meal together there, Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him rose 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 over the land."

The assassination of Gedaliah was a significant blow to the fragile stability in Judah. Ishmael's actions were not only a personal vendetta but also a political maneuver, as he sought to disrupt the Babylonian-imposed governance.

The Aftermath and Further Violence

Following the assassination, Ishmael and his men continued their violent campaign. They killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Babylonian soldiers present. Ishmael's group then captured the remaining people at Mizpah, including the king's daughters, intending to take them to the Ammonites.

Jeremiah 41:10 states, "Then Ishmael took captive all the remnant of the people of Mizpah, including the daughters of the king—all the people who had been left at Mizpah over whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam. Ishmael son of Nethaniah took them captive and set out to cross over to the Ammonites."

Intervention by Johanan

Johanan, the son of Kareah, and other army officers pursued Ishmael to rescue the captives. They confronted Ishmael at the great pool in Gibeon, where a battle ensued. Ishmael managed to escape with eight of his men to the Ammonites, but Johanan successfully rescued the captives and brought them back.

Significance

The actions of Ishmael and his men highlight the complex political dynamics and the struggle for power in the aftermath of Jerusalem's fall. This episode underscores the challenges faced by the Jewish remnant in maintaining their identity and governance under foreign domination. The narrative also reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against divinely appointed leadership.