40:1–45:5 Review · After the Catastrophe: The capture of Jerusalem touches off a sordid set of events. The assassination of Gedaliah leads to strife, insecurity, and fear of Nebuchadnezzar’s reprisal. Consequently some trek off to Egypt, against Jeremiah’s advice. There the familiar godless lifestyle persists; more judgment speeches follow.

40:1–41:18 · A fresh beginning quickly turns sour with Ishmael’s struggle for power over Gedaliah.Ramah, five miles north of Jerusalem, is the dispatching point for exiles. Apparently in the confusion Jeremiah has been arrested again after being sent to Gedaliah’s house (39:14). However, some hold that we have here a more detailed account of the story given in 39:11–14. The witness of the commander of the guard to God’s action (40:2–4) seems unusual (…