What is the context?
Field commanders and their men hear that Gedaliah has been appointed over those remaining in Judah. They come to him at Mizpah.
He urges them not to fear service under Babylon, promises to represent them, and tells them to harvest and store the produce available in the land.
Jews who had taken refuge in neighboring countries also return when they hear about the remaining community and its governor. The harvest is described as abundant.
The scene shows a provisional recovery after devastation. Its hopeful work of gathering and cultivation makes the conspiracy that follows especially destructive.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley emphasizes the return from neighboring refuges and the opportunity to gather the land’s produce. His reconstruction of exactly when each group fled is a proposed background, beyond the narrative’s report that they returned.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.
Where can I study this further?
No deeper study linked yet.