Overview
Nethaniah appears in biblical history as the father of Ishmael, a member of the royal family who became involved in a conspiracy against Gedaliah. After Babylon's conquest of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar appointed Gedaliah as governor over the remaining Jews in Judah. However, Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, assassinated Gedaliah along with the Judeans and Babylonian soldiers with him, then attempted to capture the remaining people to take them to Ammonite territory.
Key Scriptures
"Then Johanan son of Kareah and all the leaders of the forces with him heard of all the evil that Ishmael son of Nethaniah had done" (Jeremiah 41:11, NIV).
"In the seventh month Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was of royal blood and had been one of the king's officers, came with ten men and assassinated Gedaliah" (2 Kings 25:25, NIV).
Application
Believers should recognize that rejecting God's appointed authorities and yielding to pride and ambition leads only to destruction and further judgment.