Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 41:4-8

"And it came to pass the second day after he had slain Gedaliah, and no man knew it, that there came men from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, even fourscore men, having their beards shaven and their clothes rent, and having cut themselves, with meal-offerings and frankincense in their hand, to bring them to the house of Jehovah. And Ishmael the son of Nethaniah went forth from Mizpah to meet them, weeping all along as he went: and it came to pass, as he met them, he said unto them, Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam. And it was so, when they came into the midst of the city, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah slew them, [and cast them] into the midst of the pit, he, and the men that were with him. But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not; for we have stores hidden in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren." — Jeremiah 41:4-8 (ASV)

Here, the author discusses the slaughter of the pilgrims.

1. First, he describes their appearance, noting their signs of mourning: with shaven beards. As Scripture says, Her priests sigh (Lamentations 1:4), and, The Lord has brought great mourning upon me .

   He also notes their votive offerings: they had gifts and incense, which was offered with every sacrifice (Leviticus 2). They were going to the house of the Lord, that is, to the site of the temple. As it is written, They shall worship him with sacrifices and gifts, and they shall swear vows to the Lord, and perform them (Isaiah 19:21).

2. Second, he discusses the slaughter, first noting the deceit in Ishmael's feigned grief: Ishmael went out weeping. As Sirach warns, Though he humble himself and go bowed down, take good heed and beware of him . He also points to his deceitful counsel: and when he had met them. For, a false tongue does not love the truth, and a slippery mouth works destruction (Proverbs 26:28).

   Then, he adds the account of the murder: then, when they had come into the midst of the city, Ishmael slew them. This fulfills the laments, My life has fallen into the pit, and they have laid a stone over me (Lamentations 3:53), and, Blood has touched blood (Hosea 4:2).

3. Third, he discusses the sparing of certain men who were saved because they promised to reveal hidden riches: but ten men. As Proverbs says, The ransom of a man’s life are many riches, but he who is poor bears no reproach (Proverbs 13:8).