Jeremiah 36:1

KJV

¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, [that] this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the fourth {H7243} year {H8141} of Jehoiakim {H3079} the son {H1121} of Josiah {H2977} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, that this word {H1697} came unto Jeremiah {H3414} from the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

In the fourth year of Y'hoyakim the son of Yoshiyahu, king of Y'hudah, this word came to Yirmeyahu from ADONAI:

Berean Standard Bible

In the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD:

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, that this word came unto Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:1 initiates a pivotal moment in the prophet's ministry, precisely dating the reception of a divine message to the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign in Judah. This verse sets the stage for God's command to Jeremiah to record all the prophecies given against Israel, Judah, and other nations, a command that would lead to the creation of the scroll famously burned by the defiant king. It underscores God's persistent communication with His rebellious people, even as judgment loomed, highlighting His unwavering commitment to warn and call to repentance through His chosen messenger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 36:1 serves as a crucial chronological marker and thematic introduction to one of the most dramatic episodes in the book of Jeremiah. Following chapters that detail Jeremiah's prophecies against Judah and the surrounding nations, this verse pivots to the *recording* and *delivery* of these prophecies. The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 36:2-32) narrate God's command to Jeremiah to write down all the words previously spoken, the diligent work of Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, in recording them, the public reading of the scroll in the temple, and ultimately, King Jehoiakim's defiant act of cutting and burning the scroll. This act of rejection is met with a renewed divine command to rewrite the scroll, with additional pronouncements of judgment upon Jehoiakim, emphasizing the immutable nature of God's word despite human resistance. This entire narrative arc highlights the conflict between divine revelation and human rebellion, a central theme throughout Jeremiah's prophetic book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah" (approximately 605 BC) was a period of immense geopolitical upheaval and spiritual decline for Judah. Jehoiakim, installed as a puppet king by Egypt after his father Josiah's death, reigned from 609-598 BC. Unlike his righteous father, King Josiah, who initiated significant religious reforms (as detailed in [2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms")), Jehoiakim was characterized by injustice, oppression, and a blatant disregard for God's law (see [Jeremiah 22:13-19](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13-19 - Prophecy Against Jehoiakim")). This specific fourth year was also historically significant because it marked the decisive Battle of Carchemish, where Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces crushed the Egyptian army, solidifying Babylon's dominance in the Near East. Judah, previously a vassal of Egypt, now found itself squarely under Babylonian control, with the first deportation of Judah's elite (including Daniel) occurring in this same year. Against this backdrop of political instability and national apostasy, God's word to Jeremiah was a final, urgent call for repentance before inevitable judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately establishes several key themes central to the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Authority**, emphasizing that the words Jeremiah is about to record are not his own, but a direct "word... from the LORD," thus carrying ultimate authority and truth. Secondly, it highlights **God's Persistent Grace and Patience**, as He continues to send His message of warning and repentance even to a deeply rebellious king and nation on the brink of destruction. This divine initiative is a testament to God's desire for His people to turn back to Him, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:3-7](/jeremiah/25-3 "Jeremiah 25:3-7 - Seventy Years of Prophecy"). Thirdly, the precise dating emphasizes the **Historical Grounding of Prophecy**, demonstrating that God's messages are not abstract pronouncements but are given at specific, critical junctures in human history, directly addressing the contemporary spiritual and political realities. Finally, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of the **Prophet's Unwavering Obedience** in delivering a difficult message, even in the face of profound opposition and personal suffering, a characteristic that defines Jeremiah's entire ministry (cf. [Jeremiah 1:7-10](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7-10 - Jeremiah's Call and Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This crucial term, derived from a root meaning "to speak," encompasses far more than mere utterance. It signifies a dynamic, active communication from God—a divine utterance with inherent power and purpose. It can refer to a matter, an affair, a thing, or an event, indicating that God's word is not just information but a force that shapes reality and brings about His will. In a prophetic context, it denotes a message that is living, authoritative, and effective, carrying the weight of God's command and intention.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** (H1121) While seemingly straightforward, "son" here (as in "the son of Josiah") is significant in establishing lineage and, by extension, legitimacy and succession. In this context, it highlights Jehoiakim's direct connection to Josiah, a king renowned for his righteousness and reforms. This familial link serves as a stark contrast, as Jehoiakim's reign would tragically reverse many of his father's godly initiatives, underscoring the spiritual decline within the royal house and the nation.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant faithfulness to Israel. The phrase "came unto Jeremiah from the LORD" is a definitive statement of divine origin, asserting that the message is not a product of human wisdom, political analysis, or Jeremiah's own thoughts, but a direct, authoritative revelation from the sovereign God who is actively involved in the affairs of His people and the nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah,"**: This opening clause precisely dates the divine revelation, anchoring it firmly in a specific historical period. It identifies the reigning monarch, Jehoiakim, and his lineage, connecting him to the preceding righteous King Josiah. This chronological and genealogical precision is characteristic of biblical historical accounts, emphasizing the reality and verifiability of God's interaction with humanity within time and space. The "fourth year" (c. 605 BC) is particularly significant, coinciding with major geopolitical shifts that would directly impact Judah's future.
* **"that this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,"**: This clause is the theological core of the verse. It declares the divine origin of the message, stating unequivocally that the "word" (dabar) originated "from the LORD" and was specifically directed "unto Jeremiah." The phrase "saying" (H559, _ʼâmar'_) indicates that the word was not merely an impression or an abstract concept, but a direct, articulate communication, ready to be delivered or recorded. This establishes the prophetic authority of Jeremiah and the absolute truthfulness and binding nature of the message he received.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:1 primarily employs **Chronological Framing** by precisely dating the event, grounding the divine message in a specific historical context. This provides a sense of authenticity and underscores God's active involvement in human history. The verse also utilizes a **Divine Oracle Formula** ("this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying"), which is a common literary device in prophetic literature. This formula immediately establishes the source and authority of the subsequent message, distinguishing it from human opinion or political commentary. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** drawn through the mention of "Jehoiakim the son of Josiah." While not explicitly stated as a device, the reader familiar with Judah's history would recognize the stark moral and spiritual divergence between the wicked Jehoiakim and his righteous father Josiah, setting a somber tone for the impending divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:1 powerfully articulates the enduring truth of God's active communication with humanity. It underscores that divine revelation is not a passive phenomenon but a dynamic, intentional act of God, breaking into human history to convey His will, warnings, and promises. Even in the face of profound national rebellion and impending judgment, God's commitment to speak to His people through His chosen prophet remains steadfast. This highlights God's sovereignty over history and His unwavering desire for His creation to turn from sin and embrace His righteous path. The verse also implicitly points to the immense responsibility of those who receive and deliver God's word, as well as the grave consequences for those who choose to reject it.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Power of God's Word")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through Son")
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - Inspiration of Scripture")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:1 serves as a profound reminder that God is a speaking God, actively engaging with His creation. In a world often characterized by noise, distraction, and conflicting voices, this verse calls us to cultivate a posture of attentive listening to the divine word. Just as Jeremiah faithfully received and delivered a difficult message, we are challenged to not only hear God's truth but also to embrace it, allowing it to shape our lives and actions. The historical context of Judah's rebellion and Jehoiakim's defiant rejection of the scroll serves as a sober warning: ignoring or actively resisting God's word carries severe consequences, both individually and corporately. Conversely, embracing God's truth, even when it challenges our comfort or convictions, leads to life and flourishing. This verse encourages us to trust in the unwavering authority and efficacy of God's word, knowing that it is always timely, purposeful, and ultimately accomplishes His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating of this "word from the LORD" encourage your faith in the historical reality and relevance of God's communication?**
* **What does Jehoiakim's character, contrasted with Josiah, teach us about the importance of individual leadership and its impact on a nation's spiritual trajectory?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to ignore or resist a "word from the LORD" that challenges your current path?**
* **How can we, like Jeremiah, cultivate faithfulness in delivering God's truth, even when it is unpopular or difficult?**

### FAQ

**Who was King Jehoiakim, and why is his reign significant in Jeremiah's prophecy?**

Answer: King Jehoiakim was the son of the righteous King Josiah and reigned over Judah from 609-598 BC. His reign was marked by severe spiritual decline, injustice, and a defiant rejection of God's law, standing in stark contrast to his father's reforms. His significance in Jeremiah's prophecy, particularly in [Jeremiah 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll"), lies in his infamous act of burning the scroll containing God's prophecies delivered through Jeremiah. This act symbolized Judah's hardened heart and sealed the fate of the nation, leading to further pronouncements of judgment against him and his dynasty. His reign also coincided with the rise of Babylon as the dominant world power, directly impacting Judah's political future.

**Why is the specific date "the fourth year of Jehoiakim" important for understanding this passage?**

Answer: The "fourth year of Jehoiakim" (approximately 605 BC) is crucial because it precisely anchors God's revelation in a specific historical moment of immense geopolitical and spiritual significance. This was the year of the Battle of Carchemish, where Babylon decisively defeated Egypt, shifting the balance of power in the Near East and making Judah a direct vassal of Babylon. It was also the year of the first Babylonian deportation, including Daniel and other elites. By dating the divine word so precisely, the text emphasizes that God's message was not abstract but directly addressed the urgent realities and impending judgments facing Judah, underscoring God's sovereignty over historical events and His timely intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:1, with its emphasis on "this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah was a faithful messenger who delivered God's spoken word, Jesus is the very **Word of God incarnate** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). In Him, God's revelation is no longer merely spoken through prophets, but fully embodied and made manifest in human flesh ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through His Son")). Just as Jeremiah delivered a message of warning and repentance to a rebellious people, Jesus, the perfect Prophet, came speaking words of truth, judgment, and salvation, calling Israel to repentance ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Preaches Repentance")). The rejection of Jeremiah's scroll by Jehoiakim foreshadows the ultimate rejection of the living Word, Jesus Christ, by His own people, leading to His crucifixion ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Yet, just as God's word through Jeremiah could not be ultimately thwarted but was rewritten and fulfilled, so too God's ultimate Word, Jesus, though rejected and crucified, was raised from the dead, His message of salvation eternally triumphant, bringing about the new covenant promised in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 25:1

¶ The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that [was] the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon;

Jeremiah 35:1

¶ The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying,

2 Chronicles 36:5

Jehoiakim [was] twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God.

Jeremiah 45:1

¶ The word that Jeremiah the prophet spake unto Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying,

2 Kings 24:1

¶ In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.

2 Kings 24:2

And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets.