¹⁶ But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan^(A) son of Kareah, “Don’t do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is not true.”

⁸ Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”?^(A) Their condemnation is just!

¹⁶ “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.^(A) Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.^{(B) 17} Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils^(C) and be flogged in the synagogues.^(D)

² Ishmael^(A) son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him got up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword,^(B) killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed^(C) as governor over the land.^(D)