(God is my greatness ), son of Ahikam (Jeremiahs protector, ( Jeremiah 26:24 ) and grandson of Shaphan the secretary of King Josiah. After the destruction of the temple, B.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 Jeremiah 40:11 ) He was murdered by Ishmael two months after his appointment.