Jeremiah 41 and the Ammonite Alliance

Abstract

This article explores the possibility that a polemic between disempowered Davidic and emerging Saulide groups motivated the murder of Gedaliah and the 70 pilgrims in Jeremiah 41. The discussion is informed by evidence from the Judean/Aramean settlements at Elephantine and Syene, and an analysis of the role of Ammon as presented here and in the Deuteronomistic History.