Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 40:13-16

"Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, and said unto him, Dost thou know that Baalis the king of the children of Ammon hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take thy life? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not. Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: wherefore should he take thy life, that all the Jews that are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing; for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael." — Jeremiah 40:13-16 (ASV)

1. Here, the devising of plots is discussed:

   1. The plot made collectively by the princes: know that Baalis, who still resisted the Chaldeans; and Gedaliah did not believe, because he believed the false words of Ishmael. The innocent believes every word, but the prudent man considers his steps (Proverbs 14:15).

   2. The plot made by one man in particular: Johanan.

      1. Its devising: go. By the good of the just a city shall be exalted, and in the destruction of the wicked shall be its praise (Proverbs 11:10).

      2. Its rejection is discussed: and Gedaliah said. As it says elsewhere: and I did not know that they took counsel against me, saying: let us put wood in his bread, and let us cut him off from the land of the living (Jeremiah 11:19).