Jeremiah 40:7-9

7Some officers of Judah's army were living in fields in the country, with their soldiers. They heard news that the king of Babylon had chosen Ahikam's son Gedaliah to have authority over Judah. He ruled over the very poor people of Judah who continued to live there. They were the men, women and children that Babylon's soldiers had not taken away as prisoners.

8These army officers and their soldiers came to meet with Gedaliah at Mizpah. The officers were: Nethaniah's son Ishmael, Kareah's sons, Johanan and Jonathan, Tanhumeth's son, Seraiah, the sons of Ephai, who came from Netophah, and Jaazaniah, whose father came from Maakah.

9Gedaliah made a serious promise to them that he would not hurt them. He said, ‘Do not be afraid to serve the soldiers from Babylon. Make your homes here in our land, but agree to serve the king of Babylon. If you do that, you will be successful.