Gedaliah is killed at Mizpah; survivors flee
About this date: The source names the seventh month but does not securely resolve how long Gedaliah governed. 586 BCE is a navigation anchor, not a certain assassination year.
Babylon appoints Gedaliah over the population remaining in Judah. His assassination undermines the new administration and prompts a flight toward Egypt.
Historical context
Political disruption continues after the capital's destruction. The story follows people who remained in the land rather than only those deported to Babylon.
Key points
- Gedaliah asks local commanders to remain and cooperate.
- The attack also kills Judean and Babylonian personnel.
- Fear of retaliation drives the subsequent flight.
People
- Gedaliah
- Ishmael son of Nethaniah
- Johanan
Scripture
- 2 Kings 25:22–26 — The aftermath of conquest includes internal violence and further displacement.
Sources and further reading
- 2 Kings 25:22–26 (KJV)
The governorship, assassination, and flight.