But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.
Ver. 16. Thou shalt not do this thing.] This just man would not have any man die indicta causa, before his cause had been heard, were he never so wicked.
For thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.] So Gedaliah thought, but it proved otherwise. Ishmael is pleaded for, but without cause. Queen Elizabeth complained that in truth she had oft found treason; so shall all princes, who therefore had need to be very cautious, and yet not overly credulous. King's craft is not easily learned.