English · CJB

Jeremiah45

Jeremiah delivers a divine message to his scribe, Baruch, who is lamenting his personal distress and weariness. The LORD acknowledges Baruch's sorrow but declares His imminent plan to bring widespread destruction upon the entire land of Judah. He warns Baruch against seeking personal greatness, promising instead to preserve his life as a spoil amidst the coming universal calamity.

God's Word to Baruch the Scribe

1
Here is what Yirmeyahu said to Barukh the son of Neriyah when he wrote these words in a book at Yirmeyahu's dictation, in the fourth year of Y'hoyakim the son of Yoshiyahu, king of Y'hudah: ​
2
"This is what Adonai the God of Isra'el says concerning you, Barukh. You said,

Baruch's Distress and God's Warning

3
'Woe to me now! ADONAI has compounded my pain with sorrow, I am weary from groaning, and I can find no relief!' ​
4
"Tell him that ADONAI says: 'I will tear down what I built up, I will uproot what I planted, and this throughout the land. ​
5
Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don't! For I am bringing disaster on everything living,' says ADONAI. 'But wherever you go, you will escape with your life.'" ​

Study Notes for Jeremiah 45

Verse 1

This oracle is dated to 605 BC, shortly after Baruch publicly read the scroll of judgment (Jer. 36). This high-stakes action likely led to the deep distress Baruch expresses in the following verses.

Verse 3

Baruch’s complaint arises from the overwhelming cumulative burden of Jeremiah’s ministry. He feels physical exhaustion and emotional hopelessness ('I find no rest') due to constant danger and the impending, unavoidable doom of Jerusalem.

Verse 4

This verse explains the source of Baruch’s fatigue: God confirms that the judgment is comprehensive and absolute. The metaphors 'built' and 'planted' emphasize that the destruction reverses God’s own foundational work in establishing Israel in the land.

Verse 5

The warning against seeking 'great things' cautions Baruch against personal ambition or seeking status during a time of national collapse. The promise 'thy life will I give unto thee for a prey' is an idiom guaranteeing survival and preservation amidst total destruction (cf. Jer. 39:18), assuring him of physical safety, if not comfort.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options