Commentators emphasize Gedaliah's exceptional character. Facing a terrified remnant of the Jewish army, he didn't act as a mere political appointee but as a compassionate protector. He took a personal oath, a serious and risky act, to guarantee their safety from the Chaldeans. John Calvin notes that Gedaliah acted like a hen gathering her chicks, putting the good of his people ahead of his own safety and standing with the king of Babylon.