Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Made great by Jehovah. ) the son of Jeduthum (1 Chr. 25:3, 9). ) The grandfather of the prophet Zephaniah, and the father of Cushi (Zeph. 1:1). ) One of the Jewish nobles who conspired against Jeremiah (Jer. 38:1). ) The son of Ahikam, and grandson of Shaphan, secretary of king Josiah (Jer. 26:24). After the destruction of Jerusalem (see ZEDEKIAH), Nebuchadnezzar left him to govern the country as tributary to him (2 Kings 25:22; Jer. 40:5; 52:16).
Ishmael, however, at the head of a party of the royal family, “Jewish irreconcilables”, rose against him, and slew him and “all the Jews that were with him” (Jer. 41:2, 3) at Mizpah about three months after the destruction of Jerusalem. He and his band also plundered the town of Mizpah, and carried off many captives. He was, however, overtaken by Johanan and routed. He fled with such of his followers as escaped to the Ammonites (41:15). The little remnant of the Jews now fled to Egypt.
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
(God is my greatness), son of Ahikam (Jeremiah’s protector, (Jeremiah 26:24) and grandson of Shaphan the secretary of King Josiah. C. 588, Nebuchadnezzar departed from Judea, leaving Gedaliah with a Chaldean guard, (Jeremiah 40:5) at Mizpah to govern the vinedressers and husbandmen, (Jeremiah 52:16) who were exempted from captivity. Jeremiah jointed Gedaliah; and Mizpah became the resort of Jews from various quarters. (Jeremiah 40:6,11) He was murdered by Ishmael two months after his appointment.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
GEDALI'AH (whom Jehovah hath made powerful), the governor of Judaea, appointed by Nebuchadnezzar after its subjection. 2 Kgs 25:22; Jer 40:5. He was a friend of Jeremiah's, Jer 40:6, and had the confidence of the people, but was not permitted long to rule, for a party of the royal family of Judah, headed by Ishmael, rose against him and slew him. Jer 41:2.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
God is my greatness