Jeremiah 40:13

13 Moreover Yochanan the son of Kareach, and all the captains of the forces who were in the fields, came to Gedalyahu to Mitzpah,

Jeremiah 40:13 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 40:13

Moreover, Johanan the son of Kareah
Who seems to be the principal captain next to Ishmael, against whom an information is brought, and so not present; this captain is here only mentioned by name, and before next to Ishmael: and all the captains of the forces that [were] in the fields;
or that had been in the fields, and probably might be there again; see ( Jeremiah 40:7 ) ; that is, the rest of them, besides Johanan mentioned, and Ishmael the conspirator: these came to Gedaliah to Mizpah;
they had been with him before, and being satisfied by him of the safety they would be in, in the service of the Chaldeans, under him, either returned to the fields from whence they came, or went to those cities and villages he directed them to; but, like honest and faithful men, knowing there was a conspiracy against his life, came in a body to inform him of it, for the greater certainty of it; as judging he would be more ready to give heed unto it, than if only a single person had informed him of it, as well as to show their affection and loyalty to him.

Jeremiah 40:13 In-Context

11 Likewise when all the Yehudim who were in Mo'av, and among the children of `Ammon, and in Edom, and who were in all the countries, heard that the king of Bavel had left a remnant of Yehudah, and that he had set over them Gedalyahu the son of Achikam, the son of Shafan;

12 then all the Yehudim returned out of all places where they were driven, and came to the land of Yehudah, to Gedalyahu, to Mitzpah, and gathered wine and summer fruits very much.

13 Moreover Yochanan the son of Kareach, and all the captains of the forces who were in the fields, came to Gedalyahu to Mitzpah,

14 and said to him, Do you know that Baalis the king of the children of `Ammon has sent Yishma'el the son of Netanyah to take your life? But Gedalyahu the son of Achikam didn't believe them.

15 Then Yochanan the son of Kareach spoke to Gedalyahu in Mitzpah secretly, saying, Please let me go, and I will kill Yishma'el the son of Netanyah, and no man shall know it: why should he take your life, that all the Yehudim who are gathered to you should be scattered, and the remnant of Yehudah perish?