7 And it cometh to pass, at their coming in unto the midst of the city, that Ishmael son of Nethaniah doth slaughter them, at the midst of the pit, he and the men who 'are' with him. 8 And ten men have been found among them, and they say unto Ishmael, 'Do not put us to death, for we have things hidden in the field—wheat, and barley, and oil, and honey.' And he forbeareth, and hath not put them to death in the midst of their brethren. 9 And the pit whither Ishmael hath cast all the carcases of the men whom he hath smitten along with Gedaliah, is that which the king Asa made because of Baasha king of Israel—it hath Ishmael son of Nethaniah filled with the pierced.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:7-9
Commentary on Jeremiah 41:1-10
(Read Jeremiah 41:1-10)
Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we would wish to be found in when called to appear before our Judge. Sometimes the ransom of a man's life is his riches. But those who think to bribe death, saying, Slay us not, for we have treasures in the field, will find themselves wretchedly deceived. This melancholy history warns us, never to be secure in this world. We never can be sure of peace on this side heaven.