Jeremiah 41:13
Now it came to pass, that when all the people which were with Ishmael saw Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were with him, then they were glad.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּרְא֤וֹת
saw
H7200
כִּרְא֤וֹת
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָם֙
Now it came to pass that when all the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
Now it came to pass that when all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
יִשְׁמָעֵ֔אל
which were with Ishmael
H3458
יִשְׁמָעֵ֔אל
which were with Ishmael
Strong's:
H3458
Word #:
7 of 18
jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְאֵ֛ת
H853
וְאֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַחֲיָלִ֖ים
of the forces
H2428
הַחֲיָלִ֖ים
of the forces
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
15 of 18
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
This occurred circa 586 BC, shortly after Jerusalem's destruction. Ishmael ben Nethaniah, of royal descent, murdered Gedaliah (the Babylonian-appointed governor) and abducted survivors, apparently intending to take them to Ammon (v. 10). Johanan ben Kareah pursued to rescue them. The geopolitical chaos following Babylon's conquest created power vacuums filled by violence.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern between genuine deliverance from God and merely escaping one form of bondage for another, especially when initial relief clouds judgment about next steps?
- What does this passage teach about the difference between human rescue and divine redemption, particularly when 'deliverers' themselves lack submission to God's revealed will?
- In what ways do contemporary Christians seek safety and security through human strategies (political allegiances, financial hedging, relocation) while neglecting to seek and obey prophetic guidance through Scripture and godly counsel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When all the people which were with Ishmael saw Johanan...then they were glad (וַיִּשְׂמְחוּ, vayyismchu)—The captives' joy at seeing Johanan and his forces reveals that Ishmael held them against their will. Their gladness (simchah) contrasts starkly with the mourning that preceded their abduction—they'd come to Mizpah with shaved beards and torn clothes (v. 5), traditional signs of grief, only to be captured by the murderer of Gedaliah.
This moment of relief anticipates their rescue (v. 14) but also their tragic choice to flee to Egypt (42:19-43:7) against Jeremiah's prophetic warning. Their gladness proves short-lived—escape from one captor leads to bondage in Egypt. The pattern illustrates humanity's tendency to seek deliverance through human means while rejecting God's prescribed path, even when clearly revealed through prophetic word.