But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren.
But ten of the men spoke up and said to Ishmael, 'Wait, don't kill us! We've got stashes of valuable stuff hidden out in the fields, wheat, barley, oil, and honey.' So he held back and didn't kill them along with the others.
Sometimes what you've got hidden away can literally save your life.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Jeremiah, this verse is set during the chaotic aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC, when Judah was in ruins and various factions vied for power. Ishmael, a royal descendant who opposed Babylonian rule, had just assassinated the appointed governor Gedaliah and was killing others when these ten men pleaded for their lives by offering hidden treasures. This event reflects the widespread desperation and moral breakdown in a society reeling from defeat and occupation.
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