Jeremiah 40 details the aftermath of the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, releases Jeremiah from his chains and offers him the choice to go wherever he pleases, or to remain under the protection of the Babylonians. Jeremiah chooses to stay with the remnant of Judah who are still in the land.
The captain of the guard appoints Gedaliah as the governor over those left in Judah, and Jeremiah advises the people to submit to Babylonian rule and to cultivate the land. Gedaliah extends his protection to prominent individuals who fled to the surrounding countries during the war. Among those who return is Ishmael, a member of the royal family.
However, Ishmael secretly plots to assassinate Gedaliah and takes advantage of a feast to carry out his plan. With the help of ten men, Ishmael kills Gedaliah and others. The people fear retaliation from the Babylonians and prepare to flee to Egypt for safety.
This chapter reveals the fragile state of the remnant of Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem and the importance of their obedience to the Babylonian rulers. It also introduces the treacherous plot that will have far-reaching consequences in the subsequent chapters.