(God is my greatness), son of Ahikam, Jeremiah’s 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, 11). He was murdered by Ishmael two months after his appointment.