Illustration created for this project.
Gedaliah
The governor Babylon set over Judah after Jerusalem's fall, soon assassinated.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 2
Archaeology — physical evidence · 1
Life, role & deeds
BibleAppointed by Babylon as governor over the remnant of Judah after Jerusalem's fall, based at Mizpah.
2 Kings 25:22–24; Jeremiah 40:5–7
ArchaeologyA clay sealing from Lachish reads 'belonging to Gedalyahu who is over the house' — the steward's title of just such a chief official.
Lachish bulla 'lgdlyhw ʾšr ʿl hbyt' ('belonging to Gedalyahu who is over the house'), Wellcome-Marston Expedition (J. L. Starkey); O. Tufnell, Lachish III: The Iron Age (London/Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1953)
Death & legacy
BibleHe was assassinated by Ishmael of the royal line — an act still marked by a Jewish fast.
2 Kings 25:25; Jeremiah 41:1–2
Where in scripture
2 KingsFamily
In their own words — 1 recorded saying
“Then Gedaliah gave his oath to them and their men, saying, Have no fear because of the servants of the Chaldaeans; go on living in the land under the rule of the king of Babylon, and all will be well.” — 2 Kings 25:24
Speaker attribution: Clear Bible MACULA (CC BY 4.0). Wording: Bible in Basic English (public domain).
Places in their life
Photo: Godot13 — CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)