2 Kings 25:22-25
Summary for 2Kgs 25:22-30: 25:22-30 a Two short appendices describe subsequent events. The first (25:22-26 b) details the area’s reorganization; the second (25:27-30 c) tells of the later kind treatment accorded King Jehoiachin. 25:22 d Gedaliah’s father Ahikam and grandfather Shaphan had been trusted officials during Josiah’s reign (22:3 e, 12 f). Ahikam had supported Jeremiah during the reign of Jehoiakim (Jer 26:24 g).Summary for 2Kgs 25:23-24: 25:23-24 h Because Gedaliah came from a family experienced in civic affairs, his governorship was initially well accepted (see also Jer 40:1-12 i). A seal impression recovered from Lachish confirms Gedaliah’s importance as the officer “over the house” (see study note on 1 Kgs 4:6).
• In addition to the army commanders, the prophet Jeremiah also went to Mizpah to support Gedaliah (Jer 40:6 j). This Mizpah was a border town in Benjamin; it had been prominent in Israelite history as a place of religious assembly (1 Sam 7:5-6 k).
• The men listed here held important posts. Ishmael was from a prominent family of royal lineage (2 Kgs 25:25 l; Jer 36:12 m). Johanan served Gedaliah faithfully (Jer 40:13-16 n). The name Jezaniah occurs on materials recovered from excavations at Tell-en-Nasbeh.
25:25 o Gedaliah had been warned that Ishmael was plotting to assassinate him but was unconvinced (Jer 40:13-16 p); his trust cost him his life. Ishmael also killed many Judeans and Babylonians, fled with many captives, and escaped to Ammon (Jer 41:4-15 q).
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