Jeremiah 40:5
Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.
Cross-reference
Jeremiah 40:4 directly precedes this verse, where the captain offers Jeremiah freedom, leading to the choice to go to Gedaliah here.
In Jeremiah 26:24, Ahikam earlier protected Jeremiah from death, explaining why his son Gedaliah is a safe haven for the prophet now.
Jeremiah 39:14 records Jeremiah being entrusted to Gedaliah—the same person he chooses to stay with in 40:5.
Jeremiah 41:1 describes the murder of Gedaliah—the tragic outcome of Jeremiah's decision to stay with him in 40:5.
Jeremiah 41:18 later recounts the assassination of Gedaliah, the governor appointed in this verse.
In Jeremiah 15:11, God promises to protect Jeremiah; here the captain's provision fulfills that pledge of deliverance.
In 2 Kings 25:22-24, the same historical event is recorded—Gedaliah appointed governor and the people rally to him, providing parallel context.
2 Kings 22:12 lists Shaphan and Ahikam among Josiah's officials, revealing the family's prominence behind Gedaliah's appointment.
2 Kings 22:14 mentions Ahikam in the delegation to Huldah, further establishing his role in Judah's leadership under Josiah.
2 Chronicles 34:20 parallels 2 Kings 22:12, listing Ahikam and Shaphan in Josiah's reform, grounding Gedaliah's lineage in Judah's history.