Verse 1Now - Three months after the city was taken. Ishmael - The same Ishmael that came to Gedaliah, ver.8,9, to whom he sware protection; only here we are told he was of the royal blood, which might both raise his spirits, as having a more legal pretence to the government, and rendered him a fitter instrument, for Baalis the king or queen of the Ammonites to make use of. The princes - Some of the princes, who had escaped the army of the king of Babylon. Verse 3Slew - All those who were about the court of Gedaliah. Verse 4No man - No man who lived at any distance from Mizpah. Verse 5There came men - Who possibly had not heard of the temple being burnt. Cut themselves - With all indications of mourning used in those countries. Verse 8He forebare - His covetousness prevailed over his cruelty.