In Jeremiah we find the real history of the remaining Judeans, and here in 2 Kings the short segment functions as the ending of the story of Judah’s end (see also 2 Kings 25:26).
In this verse we read the name Babylon,
and in the last verse (2 Kings 25:26) of this portion we read of Egypt. The fate of the Judeans moved between these two countries, but their own land of Judah no longer counted.
Nebuchadnezzar had not killed all prominent Judeans, as the governor appointed by him, Governor Gedaliah, came from a distinguished family. His grandfather had been a secretary of the king’s court (2 Kings 22:3), his father Ahikam also fulfilled important tasks in Jerusalem (2 Kings 22:8–20).
Between Gedaliah and the prophet Jeremiah there was probably a good relationship (see Jeremiah 39:14 and Jeremiah 40:16). It is certain that Jeremiah enjoyed the protection of Gedaliah’s father (Jeremiah 26:24). In any case, Jeremiah as well as Gedaliah were of the opinion that the people should not rebel against Babylon (compare Jeremiah 26:24 with Jeremiah 27:1–22). That is probably why Nebuchadnezzar appointed Gedaliah as governor.
22 And over the people who remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, he appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, governor.