And they went and stayed in Geruth ChimhamThis phrase indicates the movement of a group of people, led by Johanan son of Kareah, after the assassination of Gedaliah. Geruth Chimham is believed to be a lodging place or settlement associated with Chimham, the son of Barzillai the Gileadite, who was a supporter of King David (
2 Samuel 19:37-40). This location near Bethlehem suggests a temporary refuge, highlighting the instability and fear among the remnant of Judah after the Babylonian conquest. The choice of this location may reflect a strategic decision to stay close to a familiar and supportive area before making a significant journey.
near Bethlehem
Bethlehem, known as the City of David, holds significant historical and theological importance. It is the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ (Micah 5:2;Matthew 2:1). Its mention here underscores the connection to Davidic heritage and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. The proximity to Bethlehem may also symbolize a return to roots or a place of safety amidst turmoil, as Bethlehem was a well-known and established town in Judah.
in order to proceed into Egypt
This phrase reveals the intention of the group to seek refuge in Egypt, a common place of asylum throughout biblical history (Genesis 12:10;1 Kings 11:40). Egypt represents a place of safety from immediate threats but also a place of spiritual and physical bondage, as seen in the Exodus narrative. The decision to go to Egypt reflects a lack of trust in God's promises to protect the remnant in the land of Judah (Jeremiah 42:10-16). This action foreshadows the recurring theme of reliance on foreign powers rather than on God, a theme prevalent in the prophetic literature.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Johanan son of KareahA military leader who, along with other commanders, pursued Ishmael after he assassinated Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians.
2.
Ishmael son of NethaniahThe assassin of Gedaliah, who was appointed by the Babylonians as governor over the land of Judah. Ishmael's actions led to chaos and fear among the remnant of Judah.
3.
Gedaliah son of AhikamAppointed governor over Judah by the Babylonians, he was assassinated by Ishmael, which led to further instability in the region.
4.
Geruth ChimhamA location near Bethlehem where Johanan and the people he rescued stayed temporarily. The name suggests a lodging place or inn, possibly linked to Chimham, a figure associated with King David.
5.
BethlehemA significant town in Judah, known as the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ. It served as a temporary refuge for Johanan and his group.
6.
EgyptThe intended destination for Johanan and the remnant of Judah, as they sought safety from Babylonian retribution after the assassination of Gedaliah.
Teaching Points
Seeking Refuge in Times of FearJust as Johanan and the remnant sought refuge in Egypt, believers today may seek safety in worldly solutions. It's crucial to discern God's will and trust in His protection rather than relying solely on human plans.
The Consequences of DisobedienceThe decision to go to Egypt, despite prophetic warnings, serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's guidance. Believers are encouraged to heed God's Word and seek His direction in all decisions.
The Importance of LeadershipJohanan's leadership in rescuing the captives from Ishmael demonstrates the impact of strong, decisive leadership. Christian leaders are called to act with courage and integrity, guiding others in accordance with God's will.
God's Sovereignty in ChaosDespite the turmoil following Gedaliah's assassination, God's sovereignty remains evident. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even in chaotic circumstances.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 41:17?
2.How does Jeremiah 41:17 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's guidance?
3.What lessons can we learn from the people's fear in Jeremiah 41:17?
4.How does Jeremiah 41:17 connect with God's promises in Deuteronomy 31:6?
5.How can we apply the cautionary tale of Jeremiah 41:17 in our lives?
6.What role does trust in God play in the events of Jeremiah 41:17?
7.What historical events led to the gathering at Geruth Chimham in Jeremiah 41:17?
8.How does Jeremiah 41:17 reflect on God's protection and guidance?
9.What is the significance of Geruth Chimham in biblical history?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 41?
11.(Jeremiah 17:5) Why does it say one is cursed for trusting in humanity, given the social and scientific advancements reliant on human collaboration?
12.Why does the biblical text not describe any Babylonians intervening or retaliating, given their regional power at the time? (Jeremiah 41:4-10)
13.Why would King Zedekiah, who ignored God, privately seek Jeremiah's prophecy in Jeremiah 37:17, and does this align with his other actions?
14.How does Jeremiah 3:12-14 depict limitless mercy when texts like 2 Kings 17:6-23 suggest God's patience eventually ran out?What Does Jeremiah 41:17 Mean
And they went“And they went…” (Jeremiah 41:17a) marks the moment Johanan son of Kareah gathers the remnant left after Ishmael’s murderous rampage.
• The move is swift; verse 16 shows urgency in rescuing people from Gibeon, and verse 18 links their fear of Babylon’s reprisals.
• Similar flight movements appear earlier in the book when refugees scatter after Jerusalem’s fall (Jeremiah 40:11–12).
• The step echoes earlier times when leaders rallied a remnant to safety, such as David’s quick relocations while pursued by Saul (1 Samuel 23:13–14).
This first phrase highlights a deliberate, protective leadership response rather than an aimless escape.
and stayed in Geruth Chimham“…and stayed in Geruth Chimham…” (Jeremiah 41:17b).
• “Geruth” suggests a lodging or caravanserai, likely land King David gave to Chimham, son of his loyal friend Barzillai (2 Samuel 19:37–40).
• A stopover underscores that the group has not abandoned Judah’s soil yet; they pause to plan, reminiscent of how God told Elijah to pause at Horeb before sending him onward (1 Kings 19:8–18).
•Jeremiah 40:5 notes Nebuzaradan once offered Jeremiah a “bonus” lodging; here the people choose their own, hinting at self-reliance rather than seeking the Lord.
near Bethlehem“…near Bethlehem…” (Jeremiah 41:17c) locates the camp close to David’s hometown.
• Bethlehem’s rich heritage—Rachel’s tomb (Genesis 35:19), Ruth and Boaz’s story (Ruth 4:11), and David’s anointing (1 Samuel 16:4–13)—would have stirred memories of God’s past faithfulness.
• Yet proximity to promise does not guarantee obedience; like Elimelech leaving Bethlehem for Moab during famine (Ruth 1:1–2), this group contemplates another departure.
• The spot also places them on the main southbound route, logistically sensible but spiritually ominous, paralleling Judah’s earlier reliance on Egypt warned against inIsaiah 30:1–3.
in order to proceed into Egypt“…in order to proceed into Egypt.” (Jeremiah 41:17d) reveals the goal.
• Fear, not faith, drives the plan (Jeremiah 41:18); they assume Babylon will punish them for Ishmael’s actions.
• Jeremiah will soon plead with them to stay (Jeremiah 42:10–12) and warns that Egypt offers no refuge (Jeremiah 42:14–18).
• Tragically, the impulse repeats Judah’s long-standing tendency to seek Egypt’s help—rebuked in earlier reigns (Jeremiah 2:18; 37:7).
• The pattern recalls the mixed multitude in Exodus wanting to return to Egypt when hardship hit (Numbers 14:3–4), highlighting how unbelief tempts God’s people backward.
summaryJeremiah 41:17 captures a remnant on the move: decisive action (“they went”), temporary security (“stayed in Geruth Chimham”), symbolic geography (“near Bethlehem”), and a fearful objective (“to proceed into Egypt”). Each phrase exposes a tension between God’s covenant faithfulness and human impulse to control outcomes. The verse prepares readers for Jeremiah’s forthcoming counsel: remain where God placed you, trust His protection, and resist the pull of old dependencies.
(17)
They departed, and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham.--The word translated "habitation "is not found elsewhere, but it is connected with one which means "stranger," "foreigner," and means probably a
caravanserai,or
hospitiumfor travellers. The name of Chimham throws us back on the history of Barzillai in
2Samuel 19:37. When the Gileadite chief pleaded his age as a ground for not accepting David's invitation to live at his court, the offer was transferred to his son Chimham. On the king's death-bed he was specially commended to the care of Solomon (
1Kings 2:7). It seems probable that some part of David's personal patrimony, as distinct from his royal domains, had been bestowed on him, and that he had perpetuated his gratitude by erecting a resting-place for travellers, probably enough identical with the "inn" of the Nativity (
Luke 2:7). The plan of the fugitives under Johanan took them to Bethlehem, as lying on the road to Egypt, where they hoped to find a refuge both from the anarchy in which the land had been left by the death of Gedaliah, and from the severe punishment which the Chaldaeans were likely to inflict, without too careful an inquiry into the question who had been guilty of it, for the murder of the ruler whom they had appointed. The mere fact of their having remained with Ishmael might be construed into circumstantial evidence of complicity. There they halt, and take counsel.
Verse 17. -And dwelt in the habitation of Chimham. Chimham was the son of the rich Gileadite Barzillai (2 Samuel 19:37-40), who probably founded this "habitation" or rather "hospice" ("khan," "caravanserai"), for the accommodation of travellers - a characteristic mark of public-spirited liberality. Josephus and Aquila, however, appear to have read "by the hurdles of Chimham" - a very possible name for a locality in such a pastoral country.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And they went
וַיֵּלְכ֗וּ(way·yê·lə·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walk
and stayed
וַיֵּֽשְׁבוּ֙(way·yê·šə·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry
in Geruth
בְּגֵר֣וּת(bə·ḡê·rūṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1628:Geruth -- 'lodging place', a place near Bethlehem
Chimham,
אֵ֖צֶל(’ê·ṣel)
Preposition
Strong's 681:A joining together, proximity
near
בֵּ֣ית(bêṯ)
Preposition
Strong's Hebrew
Bethlehem,
לָ֑חֶם(lā·ḥem)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1035:Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun
in order to proceed
לָלֶ֖כֶת(lā·le·ḵeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walk
into Egypt
מִצְרָֽיִם׃(miṣ·rā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714:Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 41:17 And they departed and lived in Geruth (Jer.)
