411 In the seventh month Ishmael the son of Nethaniah , the son of Elishama , of the royal family and one of the chief officers of the king , along with ten men , came to Mizpah to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam . While they were eating bread together there in Mizpah , 2 Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him arose and struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam , the son of Shaphan , with the sword and put to death the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land . 3 Ishmael also struck down all the Jews who were with him, that is with Gedaliah at Mizpah , and the Chaldeans who were found there , the men of war .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:1-3
Commentary on Jeremiah 41:1-10
(Read Jeremiah 41:1-10)
Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we would wish to be found in when called to appear before our Judge. Sometimes the ransom of a man's life is his riches. But those who think to bribe death, saying, Slay us not, for we have treasures in the field, will find themselves wretchedly deceived. This melancholy history warns us, never to be secure in this world. We never can be sure of peace on this side heaven.