In September-October, not long after the fall of Jerusalem, Ishmael and10 other men came to Mizpah and ate a meal with Gedaliah. It is impossible to date this event by year, but most authorities believe it happened quite soon after the fall of Jerusalem (cf. 2 Kings 25:22-26). During the meal, they got up and murdered Nebuchadnezzar"s appointee with the sword. [1] This was not only an act of treason, but a violation of ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs. [source][source][source]