Gedaliah in Smiths Bible Dictionary

(God is my greatness), son of Ahikam (Jeremiah's protector, Jer 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, Jer 40:5 at Mizpah to govern the vinedressers and husbandmen, Jer 52:16 who were exempted from captivity. Jeremiah jointed Gedaliah; and Mizpah became the resort of Jews from various quarters. Jer 40:6,11 He was murdered by Ishmael two months after his appointment.