John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 41:1-18
Plot against Gedaliah and its Results (586 b.c.)1-10. Ishmael murders Gedaliah and others, and carries off captives.1. And the princes] RV ’and one of the chief officers’; a further description of Ishmael himself, not an addition to his band. Even] RV ’and.’5. Having their beards shaven, etc.] in mourning for the destruction of the Temple: see on Jeremiah 16:6. 6. Weeping all along] feigning equal concern with them, so as to put them off their guard. 7. Pit] RV ’cistern.’8. Treasures] RV... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Jeremiah 41:16-18
Johanan led the people he had rescued south to Geruth-Chimham (lit. the lodging place of Chimham) near Bethlehem, six miles south of Jerusalem. The exact location of this place is presently unknown, but it may have been a site that David gave to Chimham in appreciation for Barzillai (cf. 2 Samuel 19:37-40). Johanan and his party intended to proceed to Egypt, because they feared that the Babylonian soldiers would retaliate and kill them when they discovered that Ishmael had assassinated Gedaliah. read more