GODOLIA (Hebr. Gédhaljâh[â] “the greatness of Jahweh”). — A leading figure of the party in favor of an agreement with the Babylonians and the first governor of Judea after the disastrous war of 588–586 B.C., which ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the imprisonment of King Sedecia. G. was the son of Ahicam, son of Saphan (Ier. 39:14).
Ahicam was a friend of the prophet Jeremiah, and at a critical moment he defended him (Ier. 26:24). Probably during the siege G. had gone over to the Babylonians, like many others opposed to the pro-Egyptian party (cf. Ier. 38:19). Appointed governor, G. settled in Naspha (v.), already a religious center of great importance in the time of Samuel (cf. Ier. 40:3; I Sam. 7:5 ff.; 10:1 ff.). Jeremiah, whom the Babylonians treated with every consideration, joined G. in restoring order in the region, which was half devastated and still in turmoil. As long as there was fear of the Babylonian army, G. was able to dominate the situation, inspiring confidence and calm in those who had escaped slaughter and deportation (cf. Ier. 40:12). Once the Babylonians had withdrawn, a group of fanatical nationalists, aided by the king of the Ammonites, plotted against G. Although warned in time, he refused to take stringent precautions and therefore fell victim to the attack carried out by a certain Ismaele, son of Nathania (Ier. 41:2; II Reg. 25:25).