Jeremiah 36:10

KJV

Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S house, in the ears of all the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then read {H7121} Baruch {H1263} in the book {H5612} the words {H1697} of Jeremiah {H3414} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, in the chamber {H3957} of Gemariah {H1587} the son {H1121} of Shaphan {H8227} the scribe {H5608}, in the higher {H5945} court {H2691}, at the entry {H6607} of the new {H2319} gate {H8179} of the LORD'S {H3068} house {H1004}, in the ears {H241} of all the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was then that Barukh read from the scroll the words of Yirmeyahu in the house of ADONAI, in the chamber of G'maryahu the son of Shafan the secretary, in the upper courtyard, at the entry to the New Gate of ADONAI's house, for all the people to hear.

Berean Standard Bible

From the chamber of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, which was in the upper courtyard at the opening of the New Gate of the house of the LORD, Baruch read from the scroll the words of Jeremiah in the hearing of all the people.

American Standard Version

Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of Jehovah, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the upper court, at the entry of the new gate of Jehovah’s house, in the ears of all the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:10 marks a pivotal moment in Judah's spiritual history, detailing the public reading of Jeremiah's prophetic scroll by his faithful scribe, Baruch. This significant event occurred within the sacred confines of the Temple, specifically in the prominent chamber of Gemariah, son of the respected scribe Shaphan, during a national fast. The carefully chosen location and timing ensured that the divine message, calling Judah to repentance and warning of impending judgment, was delivered with maximum impact and heard by "all the people" gathered for worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jeremiah chapter 36, which recounts the Lord's command to Jeremiah to record all the prophecies given to him since the days of Josiah. Due to Jeremiah being "shut up" or restricted from entering the Temple courts ([Jeremiah 36:5](/jeremiah/36-5 "Jeremiah 36:5 - Jeremiah is Restricted")), he commissions his loyal scribe, Baruch, to undertake the perilous task of publicly reading the scroll. The preceding verses establish the divine origin and purpose of the message—to call Judah to repentance and avert God's wrath ([Jeremiah 36:2-3](/jeremiah/36-2 "Jeremiah 36:2-3 - God's Command to Write")). The verses immediately following describe the reactions of the people, the officials, and ultimately, King Jehoiakim, who defiantly burns the scroll, leading to a renewed and intensified divine judgment ([Jeremiah 36:20-32](/jeremiah/36-20 "Jeremiah 36:20-32 - King Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 36 unfold around 605-604 BC, during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim, a period marked by political instability and spiritual decline in Judah. Babylon's power was rising, having defeated Egypt at Carchemish. The "ninth month" mentioned in [Jeremiah 36:9](/jeremiah/36-9 "Jeremiah 36:9 - Day of Fasting") likely refers to Kislev (November-December), a time when national fasts were often called in response to drought, famine, or perceived divine judgment. The Temple in Jerusalem was the central hub for religious and communal life, making it the ideal, albeit dangerous, venue for a public proclamation. The family of Shaphan, Gemariah's father, held significant influence; Shaphan himself had been instrumental in the discovery and reading of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reforms ([2 Kings 22:8-10](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8-10 - Shaphan Finds the Book of the Law")), lending a measure of credibility and authority to the location chosen for Baruch's reading.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 36:10 powerfully illustrates several core themes found throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Mandate and Transmission of God's Word**, showing how God's message, though delivered through a prophet, is meticulously recorded and publicly proclaimed to ensure its reach. Secondly, it highlights the **Faithfulness and Courage of God's Servants**, personified by Baruch, who risks his life to deliver an unpopular message. Thirdly, the setting in the "house of the LORD" emphasizes the **Authority and Sacredness of God's Revelation**, implying that the message is not merely human opinion but a divine utterance. Finally, the ultimate purpose of this public reading, as stated in [Jeremiah 36:3](/jeremiah/36-3 "Jeremiah 36:3 - Purpose of the Scroll"), is a **Call to Repentance and Aversion of Judgment**, a recurring theme in Jeremiah's prophetic ministry to a stubbornly rebellious people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **read (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** (H7121) This verb signifies "to call out to," "to proclaim," "to pronounce," or "to read aloud." In this context, it emphasizes the public and authoritative nature of Baruch's action. It was not a private study but a declaration intended for widespread hearing, underscoring the urgency and importance of the message.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) More than just "words," _dâbâr_ encompasses "a matter," "a thing," "an affair," "a message," or "a decree." Here, it refers to the entire prophetic message of Jeremiah, which carried the weight of divine authority and consequence. It implies a comprehensive body of revelation, not just isolated statements.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** (H1004) While literally meaning "house," this term is used in its broadest application, specifically referring to the Temple, the sacred dwelling place of the Lord. Its repeated mention ("house of the LORD," "LORD'S house") emphasizes the holy and authoritative context of the proclamation, lending immense weight to the divine message being delivered within its precincts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah":** This clause establishes the central action and the key figures. Baruch, Jeremiah's faithful scribe, acts as the public voice for the prophet, who was restricted from entering the Temple. The "book" refers to the scroll containing Jeremiah's collected prophecies, emphasizing the written, permanent nature of God's revelation.
* **"in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe":** This specifies the primary location, the Temple, underscoring the sacred and authoritative setting. The "chamber of Gemariah" indicates a specific, likely prominent, room within the Temple complex. Gemariah's lineage, "son of Shaphan the scribe," connects the event to a respected and influential family known for their previous involvement with the Book of the Law, adding legitimacy and perhaps a sense of historical continuity to the reading.
* **"in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S house":** This further refines the precise location within the Temple. The "higher court" suggests a prominent, elevated, and accessible area, suitable for a large gathering. The "new gate" likely refers to a well-known, possibly recently constructed or renovated, entrance, ensuring maximum visibility and audibility for the assembled crowd. The repetition of "LORD'S house" reinforces the divine context.
* **"in the ears of all the people":** This final phrase highlights the intended audience and the public nature of the proclamation. The message was not meant for a select few but for the entire populace gathered at the Temple, emphasizing God's desire for all His people to hear and respond to His word.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:10 employs several literary devices to underscore the significance of Baruch's public reading. The most prominent is **Specificity and Detail**, as the verse meticulously describes the exact location of the event: "in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah... in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S house." This precise geographical anchoring lends verisimilitude and historical weight to the narrative, emphasizing that this was a real, public event, not a private or clandestine one. **Repetition** is also utilized with the phrase "house of the LORD" appearing twice, reinforcing the sacred and authoritative nature of the setting for the divine proclamation. Furthermore, the phrase "in the ears of all the people" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "ears" stand in for the act of "hearing" or "listening attentively," emphasizing the widespread reception of the message. The entire scene is imbued with **Symbolism**, as the Temple, the dwelling place of God, becomes the stage for the public declaration of His judgment and call to repentance, signifying that God's word is proclaimed from His very presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:10 provides a powerful illustration of God's persistent desire to communicate with His people, even in their rebellion. It highlights the divine initiative in revelation, where God's word is not merely a human construct but a divinely inspired message, meticulously recorded and publicly proclaimed. The act of reading "in the ears of all the people" underscores the universal call to hear and respond to God's truth, a truth that demands repentance and offers the possibility of averted judgment. This moment serves as a testament to the enduring power and authority of the written Word of God, intended to confront, convict, and call a nation back to covenant faithfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 31:11-12](/deuteronomy/31-11 "Deuteronomy 31:11-12 - Public Reading of the Law")
* [Nehemiah 8:3](/nehemiah/8-3 "Nehemiah 8:3 - Ezra Reads the Law")
* [Acts 13:27](/acts/13-27 "Acts 13:27 - Reading of the Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:10 is a poignant reminder of the enduring power and necessity of God's Word being heard and received. Just as Baruch faithfully and courageously delivered Jeremiah's message in a public and prominent setting, so too are believers today called to be conduits of divine truth. This verse challenges us to consider the accessibility of God's Word in our own lives and communities. Are we making efforts to ensure that the timeless message of repentance, grace, and hope is proclaimed clearly and widely? Furthermore, the varied reactions to Baruch's reading (from attentive listening to defiant rejection) serve as a mirror, prompting us to examine our own hearts. How do we respond when God's Word confronts our comfortable assumptions or calls us to difficult change? The ultimate test of our faith lies not just in hearing, but in heeding, the divine voice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can we, like Baruch, faithfully and courageously proclaim God's Word in our contemporary contexts, even when it is unpopular or challenging?**
* **How does the detailed description of the Temple setting in Jeremiah 36:10 emphasize the authority and sacredness of God's message, and what implications does this have for how we treat Scripture today?**
* **Considering that the message was for "all the people," how can we ensure God's Word is accessible and heard by diverse audiences in our communities?**

### FAQ
**Why was Baruch, not Jeremiah, reading the scroll in the Temple?**

Answer: Jeremiah 36:5 explicitly states that Jeremiah was "shut up" or restricted from entering the Temple. The exact reason for this restriction is not specified, but it could have been due to previous prophetic pronouncements that angered the religious or political authorities, or perhaps a divine command for Jeremiah to remain separate for a period. Consequently, Jeremiah commissioned his loyal scribe, Baruch, to act as his representative and publicly deliver the divine message in his stead. This highlights Baruch's faithfulness and courage in undertaking such a dangerous task.

**What was the significance of the "chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe"?**

Answer: The specific location within the Temple, the chamber of Gemariah, was highly significant. Gemariah's father, Shaphan, was a prominent and respected scribe who had played a crucial role in the discovery and public reading of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign ([2 Kings 22:8-10](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8-10 - Shaphan and the Book of the Law")). This family connection lent a measure of authority and legitimacy to Baruch's reading, suggesting a continuation of the prophetic tradition and perhaps an implicit appeal to the reforms initiated by Josiah. The chamber itself was likely a well-known and accessible space within the Temple complex, suitable for public gatherings and ensuring that the message reached a wide audience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:10, with Baruch publicly proclaiming the written word of God, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect revelation of God in Jesus Christ. While Baruch read "the words of Jeremiah," Jesus is the very **Word of God Incarnate** ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The scroll read by Baruch contained a call to repentance and warnings of judgment, a message that Jesus himself would echo and fulfill in His ministry, calling people to "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry")). Just as Baruch read in the "house of the LORD" to "all the people," Jesus proclaimed God's truth openly in the Temple courts and throughout Israel, inviting all to hear and believe ([Mark 1:14-15](/mark/1-14 "Mark 1:14-15 - Jesus Preaches the Gospel")). The transient nature of the scroll, which King Jehoiakim defiantly burned, contrasts sharply with the eternal and unbreakable nature of Christ's word and covenant ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away")). Ultimately, the purpose of Jeremiah's message was to turn hearts back to God, a purpose perfectly accomplished through Christ's atoning work, which writes God's law not on scrolls, but on the hearts of His people through the New Covenant ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")). Thus, Baruch's public reading points forward to the supreme public proclamation of salvation and truth embodied in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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 36:11

When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,

Jeremiah 26:10

When the princes of Judah heard these things, then they came up from the king's house unto the house of the LORD, and sat down in the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S [house].

Jeremiah 52:25

He took also out of the city an eunuch, which had the charge of the men of war; and seven men of them that were near the king's person, which were found in the city; and the principal scribe of the host, who mustered the people of the land; and threescore men of the people of the land, that were found in the midst of the city.

2 Samuel 8:17

And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, [were] the priests; and Seraiah [was] the scribe;

Jeremiah 36:25

Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.

2 Kings 15:35

Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 29:3

By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,