Definition: Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know [it]: wherefore should he slay thee, that all the Jews which are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant in Judah perish?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 40:15. It's a really intense and dramatic warning from God about the future of Israel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Situation: A Siege is Being Planned: Jeremiah is telling Gedaliah (a leader) to warn him that a terrible plan is being hatched by the enemy – a group of people led by Ishmael, son of Nethaniah. A Specific Goal: The enemy intends to kill Ishmael. The verse specifically states they should kill him – and this isn’t just some random act; it's meant to cause widespread chaos and scattering. Massive Destruction: God is warning that this action will have devastating consequences for the Jewish people in Judah (the area now called Israel). He wants to make sure all of them are scattered and lost. What’s Being Told? Secret Conversation: Jeremiah is speaking privately with Gedaliah, meaning it's a very sensitive conversation that he can’t share with others. A Threat: Jeremiah says he's telling Gedaliah that he (Johanan) will personally kill Ishmael. This is a direct threat – he doesn’t want to be involved in the killing, but the outcome is to destroy everything. The Significance - What it Means Divine Punishment: This verse is a severe warning from God about His judgment on Israel's leaders and their actions. It speaks of God’s wrath and desire for retribution. Destruction & Scattering: The goal isn’t just to kill Ishmael; the verse implies that the ultimate aim is to completely destroy the Jewish community in Judah, scattering them across the land. In short, Jeremiah is warning Gedaliah about a terrible plot to kill Ishmael and cause widespread destruction of Israel. It's a moment of intense crisis and divine intervention. Important Note: This passage is part of a larger story in the Old Testament, detailing God’s plans to punish Israel for their sins. It’s a challenging verse that highlights God’s power and his desire for justice. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story in the Old Testament? Discuss the meaning of "Johanan" – is he a character or a symbolic figure?