“Gedaliah,
The son of Ahikam,
The son of Shaphan,
Swore to them
With their troops.
Saying.
‘Do not be afraid
To serve the Chaldeans!
Stay in the land!
Serve the king of Babylon!
It shall go well with you.
As for me,
I am staying at Mizpah,
To represent you
Before the Chaldeans
Who come to us.
But as for you,
Gather wine!
Gather summer fruits!
Gather oil!
Store them in your vessels!
Live in the towns
That you have taken over!’”
Gedaliah, whose father Ahikam and grandfather Shaphan were well known, swore to these field leaders and their troops. As in 2 Kings, chapter 25, he told them not to be afraid of these Chaldean officials. They would be better off staying in the land and serving the Babylonian king. He would take care of things with the Chaldean officials, representing their causes. They should just go home and enjoy their wine, fruits, and oils. They should store them up and live in their towns. Everything was okay. Thus it was clear that not everyone was sent into captivity.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 