And dwelt in the habitation of Chimham. Chimham was the son of the rich Gileadite Barzillai ( 2 Samuel 19:37-40 ), who probably founded this "habitation" or rather "hospice" (" khan ," "caravanserai"), for the accommodation of travellers—a characteristic mark of public-spirited liberality. Josephus and Aquila, however, appear to have read "by the hurdles of Chimham"—a very possible name for a locality in such a pastoral country. read more
Too near the edge. This is one of the reflections that come to us as we read of the place whither Johanan led his followers, and as we see the events that happened immediately after. This chapter is a record of disappointments. First the hopeful prospects of Gedaliah's governorship, which seemed starting so fairly and happily for all, these are shattered and overthrown by the villainous conduct of Ishmael. Then it is a grievous disappointment that we do not hear of Ishmael's death, only of... read more
Because of the Chaldeans. They were afraid of being held responsible for the crime of Ishmael. And they had good reason for their alarm, as the Chaldeans would naturally look upon Ishmael as the representative of the Davidic dynasty, and the heir of that dynasty's claims to the loyalty of the Jews. read more
The habitation of Chimham - The Hebrew text has Geruth-Chemoham, of which place nothing is known. The Masoretes read: Geruth-Chimham, the Khan or Caravanserai of Chimham, son of the rich Barzillai (marginal reference). The substitution is incapable now of proof or disproof, but it is possibly right. read more
Jeremiah 41:16-18. Then took Johanan and the captains, all the remnant of the people, &c. It would have been a happy thing, if Johanan, when he had rescued the captives, would have sat quietly down with them, in the land of Judah, and governed them peaceably as Gedaliah did; but, instead of that, he is for leading them into the land of Egypt, as Ishmael would have led them into the land of the Ammonites; so that, though he got the command of them in a better way than Ishmael did, yet he... read more
Ishmael’s plot against Gedaliah (40:13-41:18)One of the former army commanders, Ishmael, was opposed to Gedaliah’s policy of submission to Babylon. With Ammonite support he plotted to kill Gedaliah. So sincere and trusting was Gedaliah, that when told of the plot, he refused to believe it (13-16). Gedaliah apparently took no precautions against the reported treachery, and when a suitable time arrived Ishmael carried out his brutal plot. He murdered Gedaliah, along with all the Judean officials... read more
habitation = Khan , or inn. Hebrew. geruth. Occurs only here. Probably erected by Barzillai (2 Samuel 19:31-40 ). Near here was the inn where Joseph and Mary could find no room (Luke 2:7 ). whom, &c. See Jeremiah 40:5 . read more
JOHANAN TO LEAD THE PEOPLE TO EGYPT"Then took Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were with him, all the remnant of the people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, from Mizpah, after that he had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, to wit, the men of war, and the women, and the children, and the eunuchs, whom he had brought back from Gibeon. And they departed and dwelt at Geruth Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt, because of... read more
Jeremiah 41:17. In the habitation of Chimham— The parcel of ground, in the general opinion of interpreters, which David had settled upon Chimham, the son of Barzillai. The passage may be rendered, And they went and dwelt in Geruth Chimham, which is near Bethlehem, in order to proceed to go into Egypt, out of the reach of the Chaldeans, &c. REFLECTIONS.—1st, A scene of more complicated villany and unprovoked barbarity can hardly be found than is here recorded. 1. Gedaliah is assassinated.... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 41:11-18
Rescue of the captives from Ishmael, and plan for taking flight to Egypt. read more