Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 40:1-6

"The word which came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, after that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him being bound in chains among all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah, that were carried away captive unto Babylon. And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said unto him, Jehovah thy God pronounced this evil upon this place; and Jehovah hath brought it, and done according as he spake: because ye have sinned against Jehovah, and have not obeyed his voice, therefore this thing is come upon you. And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which are upon thy hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come, and I will look well unto thee; but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee; whither it seemeth good and right unto thee to go, thither go. Now while he was not yet gone back, Go back then, [said he], to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wheresoever it seemeth right unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a present, and let him go. Then went Jeremiah unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah, and dwelt with him among the people that were left in the land." — Jeremiah 40:1-6 (ASV)

1. Having spoken of the destruction of the city and the captivity of the people, he speaks of the well-being of the remnant.

   1. The gathering of the people together is mentioned.

      Regarding this first point, there are two further points:

      1. The congregation is spoken of.

         Regarding this point, there are three aspects:

         1. The congregation of the people is spoken of with regard to the prophet.

            Regarding this first aspect, there are four points:

            1. The announcement of liberation is mentioned: the word which came to Jeremiah. Since no message follows, it is understood that this word first reveals what is later related as being fulfilled by action. He heard the poor, and did not despise his captives (Psalms 68:34).

            2. The liberation of the prophet is spoken of: therefore, when the captain of the guard took Jeremiah. He gives the reason for this—namely, the prophet’s truthfulness: the Lord your God spoke, by you. Is there any evil in the city which the Lord has not done? (Amos 3:6).

               He also speaks of the liberation: now, therefore, I release you from the chains. He led them out of darkness, and the shadow of death, and broke their chains asunder (Psalms 106:14).

            3. He is given the option of going to Babylon, remaining with Gedaliah, or going wherever he pleases: if it pleases. Behold, the land is before you (Genesis 13:9). I shall lead you by the paths of equity, which when you have entered, your steps shall not be straightened, and when you run you shall not meet a stumbling block (Proverbs 4:11–12).

               The provision made for him is also mentioned: the captain of the guard gave him also food. From the eater went forth food, and from the strong sweetness (Judges 14:14).

            4. The prophet’s choice is given: now, Jeremiah came to Gedaliah. Therefore, he did not go to Chaldea, because they had Daniel and Ezekiel for their consolation. He has sent me to bring good tidings to the humble, to heal the broken-hearted, and to preach release to the captives, and an opening to those who are shut up; that I should preach the year pleasing to the Lord, and the day of vengeance for our God; that I should console all those who mourn, and give consolation to all the mourners of Zion (Isaiah 61:1–2).

         2. With regard to the princes, at and when all the captains of the army had heard . . . there came to Gedaliah (Jeremiah 40:7).

         3. With regard to the people, at moreover, when all the Jews (Jeremiah 40:11).

      2. The revelation of certain plots, which were disrupting the peace of the people, at but Johanan, the son of Kareah (Jeremiah 40:13).

   2. The disturbance of the congregation: and it came to pass in the seventh month (Jeremiah 41:1).