Jeremiah 41:4

4 The next day, before anyone had heard about Gedaliah’s murder,

Jeremiah 41:4 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 41:4

And it came to pass, the second day after he had slain
Gedaliah
That is, the day following, for it was in the night, as Josephus relates, as before observed, the murder was committed: and no man knew [it];
not any out of the city, or in remote parts; for those that were in the city must be sensible of it; but as yet the report of it had not reached the neighbourhood, and much less distant parts; this is observed on account of the following story, and to show how easily the persons after mentioned were drawn in by Ishmael.

Jeremiah 41:4 In-Context

2 Ishmael and his ten men suddenly jumped up, drew their swords, and killed Gedaliah, whom the king of Babylon had appointed governor.

3 Ishmael also killed all the Judeans and the Babylonian soldiers who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah.

4 The next day, before anyone had heard about Gedaliah’s murder,

5 eighty men arrived from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria to worship at the Temple of the LORD . They had shaved off their beards, torn their clothes, and cut themselves, and had brought along grain offerings and frankincense.

6 Ishmael left Mizpah to meet them, weeping as he went. When he reached them, he said, “Oh, come and see what has happened to Gedaliah!”