Yirmiya Perek 41

Note: Gedalyah was the last hope for the Jews to remain in Eretz Yisrael. Chazal instituted a fast day to commemorate the death of Gedalyah. It’s important to note that the fast is not so much about Gedalyah personally, but rather what Gedalyah represented- the centrality of Am Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael.

Gedalyah was murdered by Yishmael ben Nesanya and his ten henchmen.

Yishmael proceeded to kill all of the people who were with Gedalyah and the soldiers of Bavel who were placed in Mitspeh.

Eighty men approached Yishmael after they returned from the Beis Hamikdash with incense of the Mincha offerings. These men appeared to be in a state of mourning (Listen to NachDaily audio for further explanation.)

Yishmael pretended to be crying and pretended to take them to Gedalyah.

Yishmael continued his bout of carnage and murdered them as well.

Yishmael took all of the residents of Mitzpeh hostage.

A man named Yochanan ben Kerach came with his army and rescued the Mitzpeh residents from Yishmael.

Yochanan led the residents of Mitzpeh to Egypt in search of safety.

Note: This marks the final exile of Yisrael from their land.