Jeremiah 41 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Now — Three months after the city was taken. Ishmael — The same Ishmael that came to Gedaliah, Jeremiah 41:8-9, to whom he sware protection; only here we are told he was of the royal blood, which might both raise his spirits, as having a more legal pretence to the government, and rendered him a fitter instrument, for Baalis the king or queen of the Ammonites to make use of. The princes — Some of the princes, who had escaped the army of the king of Babylon.

Slew — All those who were about the court of Gedaliah.

No man — No man who lived at any distance from Mizpah.

There came men — Who possibly had not heard of the temple being burnt. Cut themselves — With all indications of mourning used in those countries.

He forebare — His covetousness prevailed over his cruelty.