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not cautious enough
Jeremiah 40:13-16 (JDV)
Jeremiah 40:13 Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the armies in the countryside came to Gedaliah at Mizpah
Jeremiah 40:14 and warned him, “You certainly know that Baalis, king of the Ammonites, has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to cut your throat?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam would not believe them.
Jeremiah 40:15 Then Johanan son of Kareah suggested to Gedaliah in private at Mizpah, “Let me go kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah. No one will know it. Why should he cut your throat and allow all of Judah that has gathered around you to scatter and the remainder of Judah to be destroyed?”
Jeremiah 40:16 But Gedaliah son of Ahikam responded to Johanan son of Kareah, “Don’t do this! What you’re saying about Ishmael is a lie.”
not cautious enough
Gedaliah’s problem here is that he is too quick to trust Ishmael, and too quick to dismiss the negative news about him. It would not only cost Gedaliah his life, but also many others would die as well.
Lord, give us the insight we need to walk wisely, not being too quick to dismiss negative news. Help us to be cautious when we do not have all the facts.


