Definition: Because of the Chaldeans: for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor in the land.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 41:18. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic part of the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Problem: The Hebrew people were being controlled by the Babylonians (a powerful empire in ancient times). The Threat: A group of Chaldeans – a type of Babylonian priest – were causing trouble. They weren't just being friendly; they were actively trying to harm the Israelites. The Key Event: A man named Gedaliah, who was the king’s governor in the land, was murdered by the Chaldeans. This angered the king and led to a lot of unrest. Putting it all together – what's happening? Jeremiah is telling us that because the Chaldeans were causing problems, the Israelites were terrified. They were afraid of the Chaldeans because they had killed Gedaliah. In short: The Chaldeans were a major threat to Israel, and their actions led to the death of a key figure – Gedaliah – which caused fear and anxiety among the people. Important Note: This verse is a bit complex because it’s about a historical event that happened long ago. It's also connected to themes of exile and suffering for the Israelites. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or would you like me to provide some context? For example, we could: Discuss the significance of the Chaldeans as a symbol of oppression. Explore how this verse connects to themes of exile and divine judgment.