Old Testament
Jeremiah 40:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They warned him, "Are you aware that Baalis, king of the Ammonites, has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to kill you?" But Gedaliah son of Ahikam didn't believe them.
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And said unto him, Dost thou certainly know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay thee? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not.
What Jeremiah 40:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a group of people warns Gedaliah, the appointed governor of Judah, about a plot against his life. They inform him that Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, has sent Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, to assassinate him. Despite their warning, Gedaliah does not believe them. This moment highlights the tension in post-exilic Judah, where political intrigue and threats were common. Gedaliah's disbelief may reflect his confidence in his position or a lack of awareness of the dangers surrounding him. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and discerning, especially when it comes to threats that may not be immediately visible. It also illustrates the challenges of leadership in a tumultuous time, where trust and betrayal can coexist, and the need for wisdom in navigating such situations.
How to apply Jeremiah 40:14 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of being aware of our surroundings and the potential threats we may face. It encourages us to listen to warnings from others, as they may provide valuable insights. Additionally, it reminds us to seek wisdom and discernment in our decisions, especially in leadership roles.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 40:14 mean?
Jeremiah 40:14 describes a warning given to Gedaliah about a plot against his life by Ishmael, sent by Baalis, king of the Ammonites. Despite the warning, Gedaliah does not believe them, highlighting the dangers and political intrigue in post-exilic Judah.
What is the significance of Gedaliah's disbelief in Jeremiah 40:14?
Gedaliah's disbelief in Jeremiah 40:14 may indicate his confidence in his position or a lack of awareness of the threats around him. This moment emphasizes the challenges leaders face in recognizing and responding to potential dangers.
What does the warning in Jeremiah 40:14 reveal about the political situation?
The warning in Jeremiah 40:14 reveals a tense political situation in Judah, where plots and threats were common. It underscores the instability and intrigue that characterized the leadership during this period.
Who is Ishmael in Jeremiah 40:14?
Ishmael, mentioned in Jeremiah 40:14, is the son of Nethaniah and is sent by Baalis, king of the Ammonites, to assassinate Gedaliah. His role highlights the external threats faced by the leaders of Judah.
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