As is currently the case in various parts of the world ravaged by war and conflict, there is no victory to be gained from such a process, for ultimately it only leads to ever-increasing violence. As we are seeing today. Following Babylon’s conquest of Judah, the situation in Judah was still far from stable. Babylon made Judah one of its provinces and appointed Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, as governor of the region. Unfortunately, the situation never became conducive to stability, paving the way for various intrigues and acts of violence. 

Ismael son of Netanya, who was still of royal descent, came to Mizpah with ten of his followers. Whilst they were being entertained at a meal by Governor Gedaliah, Ishmael and his men brutally murdered Gedaliah, along with the Jews and the Chaldean soldiers who were present. What caused this coup to take place? Jeremiah does not give a reason. However, it is highly likely that Ismael, being of royal descent (1), could not accept Gedaliah’s leadership, whom he regarded as a nobody. Ismael felt that he himself was the most worthy to lead what remained of Judah. Towards the end of our text, it becomes apparent that Ismael’s coup apparently failed. The people followed him reluctantly, and Babylon retaliated for the coup by inflicting casualties upon the people.

Dear Friends of the Bible, through today’s passage, we see yet another example of people blinded by power. Those who are thus blinded have made power an end in itself rather than a means to bring good to many people. Are there not similar examples all around us? People are racing to the pinnacle of power, boasting that they will bring prosperity to the people and to sections of the populace. Yet once they are in power, all those promises are forgotten. Not all of them, of course, but the tendency is very strong. Therefore, as people of faith, we must always be self-reflective and rely closely on God so that our perspective on power is in line with His will. Power is a tool for doing good and for showing God’s faithful love to as many people as possible, and not for the purpose of enriching oneself.