41:1 Now it came to pass in the {a} seventh month, [that] Ishmael the son of Nethaniah the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, and the princes of the {b} king, even ten men with him, came to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they {c} ate bread together in Mizpah.
(a) The city was destroyed in the fourth month and in the seventh month, which contained part of September and part of October, the governor Gedaliah was slain.
(b) Meaning, Zedekiah.
(c) They ate together as familiar friends.
41:1 Now - Three months after the city was taken. Ishmael - The same Ishmael that came to Gedaliah, ver.8,9, to whom he sware protection; only here we are told he was of the royal blood, which might both raise his spirits, as having a more legal pretence to the government, and rendered him a fitter instrument, for Baalis the king or queen of the Ammonites to make use of. The princes - Some of the princes, who had escaped the army of the king of Babylon.
41:1-10 Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we would wish to be found in when called to appear before our Judge. Sometimes the ransom of a man's life is his riches. But those who think to bribe death, saying, Slay us not, for we have treasures in the field, will find themselves wretchedly deceived. This melancholy history warns us, never to be secure in this world. We never can be sure of peace on this side heaven.
