Jeremiah 36:12

KJV

Then he went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber: and, lo, all the princes sat there, [even] Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then he went down {H3381} into the king's {H4428} house {H1004}, into the scribe's {H5608} chamber {H3957}: and, lo, all the princes {H8269} sat {H3427} there, even Elishama {H476} the scribe {H5608}, and Delaiah {H1806} the son {H1121} of Shemaiah {H8098}, and Elnathan {H494} the son {H1121} of Achbor {H5907}, and Gemariah {H1587} the son {H1121} of Shaphan {H8227}, and Zedekiah {H6667} the son {H1121} of Hananiah {H2608}, and all the princes {H8269}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he went down to the king's palace, into the secretary's room. All the officials were there - Elishama the secretary, D'layahu the son of Sh'ma'yahu, Elnatan the son of 'Akhbor, G'maryah the son of Shafan, Tzidkiyahu the son of Hananyahu and all the [other] officials.

Berean Standard Bible

he went down to the scribe’s chamber in the king’s palace, where all the officials were sitting: Elishama the scribe, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials.

American Standard Version

he went down into the king’s house, into the scribe’s chamber: and, lo, all the princes were sitting there, to wit, Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:12 details the critical moment when Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, descends from the Temple precincts to the royal palace in Jerusalem. He enters the scribe's chamber, where a significant gathering of Judah's high-ranking princes awaits him. This assembly of influential figures, including Elishama, Delaiah, Elnathan, Gemariah, and Zedekiah, underscores the gravity with which the recently read prophetic scroll, containing Jeremiah's warnings and divine messages, was received by the nation's leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Baruch's public reading of Jeremiah's scroll in the Temple, specifically in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan, before all the people (Jeremiah 36:10). The news of this momentous event quickly reached the royal court. Michaiah, the son of Gemariah, overheard Baruch's reading and reported it to the princes (Jeremiah 36:11). Consequently, the princes sent Jehudi to summon Baruch, requesting him to bring the scroll and read it to them. Jeremiah 36:12 thus marks the physical transition of Baruch and the scroll from the public sphere of the Temple to the inner sanctum of royal power, setting the stage for the princes' direct encounter with God's word and their subsequent actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 36 unfold during the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign (around 605-604 BC), a period of intense geopolitical instability. Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, had recently defeated Egypt at Carchemish (605 BC), solidifying its dominance in the region. Judah was caught between these two superpowers, with Jehoiakim initially a vassal of Egypt, then of Babylon. Jeremiah's prophecies, dictated to Baruch, were a desperate call for repentance and a warning of imminent Babylonian judgment if Judah did not turn from its idolatry and injustice. The "king's house" refers to the royal palace in Jerusalem, the center of political power. The "scribe's chamber" (Hebrew: _lishkat hasopher_) was likely an official administrative office or a designated meeting room within the palace, underscoring the formal and official nature of this gathering. The named princes were high-ranking officials, indicating the seriousness with which the prophetic message was perceived by the government, even if their ultimate response was varied.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 36:12 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. First, it highlights the **authority and transmission of the divine word**. Despite Jeremiah being barred from the Temple, God ensures His message reaches the highest echelons of power through Baruch. Second, it emphasizes the **accountability of leadership**. The princes, as representatives of the nation's governing body, are directly confronted with God's pronouncements, making them responsible for their response. This foreshadows the king's destructive reaction in [Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll"), which ultimately seals Judah's fate. Third, the verse underscores the **courage of the messenger**. Baruch, a scribe, bravely carries and reads a message that is deeply unpopular and challenging to the established order. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine preservation**, as the word of God, despite human attempts to suppress or destroy it, will ultimately endure and accomplish its purpose, a theme evident later when Jeremiah dictates a new scroll (Jeremiah 36:32).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** From H3381, a primitive root meaning "to descend" or "to go downwards." This term denotes Baruch's physical movement from the higher elevation of the Temple precincts to the lower elevation of the palace, but it can also figuratively imply a descent into a more dangerous or challenging environment, as he brings a confrontational message to powerful, potentially hostile, authorities.
* **scribe's chamber (Hebrew, _lishkâh'_ H3957 and _çâphar'_ H5608):** _Lishkâh_ refers to a "room in a building, whether for storage, eating, or lodging," indicating a specific, perhaps formal, space within the palace. _Çâphar_ (from which "scribe" is derived) is a primitive root meaning "to score with a mark as a tally or record," and by implication, "to inscribe" or "to enumerate." A "scribe" (_sopher_) was a highly educated and influential official responsible for writing, record-keeping, and legal matters. The combination points to an official administrative or meeting room, underscoring the formal nature of the gathering and the importance of written records and official communication in the royal court.
* **princes (Hebrew, _sar'_):** From H8269, meaning "a head person (of any rank or class)," including "captain," "chief," "governor," "lord," or "ruler." This term emphasizes the high status and authority of the men gathered. Their collective presence signifies a formal assembly of the kingdom's most influential decision-makers, highlighting the gravity of the message Baruch was about to deliver.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he went down into the king's house,"**: This clause establishes Baruch's movement from the public space (the Temple) to the seat of royal power, the palace. The act of "going down" suggests a physical descent, as the Temple Mount was typically higher than the royal complex, and also a metaphorical entry into the inner workings of government.
* **"into the scribe's chamber:"**: This specifies the precise location within the vast royal complex. The "scribe's chamber" was an official and likely well-known administrative room, signifying a formal meeting place rather than a casual encounter.
* **"and, lo, all the princes sat there,"**: The interjection "lo" (behold) draws attention to the scene, emphasizing the significant presence of "all the princes." Their "sitting" implies a formal, perhaps deliberative, session, indicating they were already assembled and awaiting Baruch.
* **"even Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes."**: This detailed enumeration of the princes by name, along with their patronymics, lends historical specificity and weight to the account. It highlights the prominence of these individuals in Judah's government and underscores that the divine message was being delivered to the highest levels of political authority. Elishama is specifically noted as "the scribe," suggesting his preeminent role among them, possibly the chief royal scribe. The repetition of "and all the princes" at the end serves as a summary, reinforcing the collective authority present.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narration**, providing a straightforward, factual account of Baruch's movement and the assembly of the princes. The use of **Enumeration** is prominent, with the detailed listing of the princes by name and lineage. This device serves to lend authenticity and historical precision to the narrative, emphasizing the specific individuals who were present and thus accountable for their response to God's word. The phrase "and, lo," functions as an **Exclamatory Interjection**, drawing the reader's attention to the significant scene unfolding, creating a sense of immediacy and importance. Furthermore, the precise description of the **Setting**—"the king's house" and "the scribe's chamber"—establishes a formal and authoritative atmosphere, underscoring the gravity of the impending confrontation between divine revelation and human power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:12 powerfully illustrates God's persistent desire for His word to reach all people, especially those in positions of authority, regardless of their receptiveness. It highlights the divine strategy of using human agents, like Baruch, to deliver uncomfortable truths to powerful leaders. The gathering of these princes, representing the political and administrative backbone of Judah, signifies that God holds leaders accountable for their stewardship of the nation and their response to His revealed will. The very act of convening to hear the scroll demonstrates a recognition, however fleeting, of the prophet's authority and the potential impact of his message on the nation's destiny. This scene sets the stage for a critical test of leadership: will they heed the divine warning or reject it?

* [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - The King's Duty to the Law")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to Prophets")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:12 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's truth is not meant to be confined to private spaces or religious gatherings but is intended to penetrate and challenge every sphere of society, including the corridors of power. Just as Baruch courageously brought Jeremiah's scroll to the princes, we are called to be faithful conduits of God's word, whether through direct proclamation, living out biblical principles, or advocating for justice and righteousness in our communities and nations. This verse challenges us to consider our own willingness to speak truth to power, even when it is unpopular or carries personal risk. It also highlights the immense responsibility of those in leadership to genuinely listen to and discern divine wisdom, for their decisions have far-reaching consequences for those they govern. Ultimately, it underscores the enduring power of God's word to confront, convict, and call to repentance, regardless of the audience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the setting of the "scribe's chamber" in the "king's house" emphasize the significance of the message being delivered?**
* **What does the detailed listing of the princes suggest about the nature of this encounter and their individual responsibility?**
* **In what ways are we, as believers, called to bring God's truth into influential spheres today, and what challenges might we face?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of discernment and responsiveness to God's word, both personally and corporately, especially when it challenges our comfort or established norms?**

### FAQ
**Who is "he" who went down into the king's house?**

Answer: The "he" refers to Baruch, the scribe of the prophet Jeremiah. Earlier in Jeremiah 36, Baruch had publicly read the scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies in the Temple precincts (Jeremiah 36:10). News of this reading reached the princes, who then summoned Baruch to the palace to hear the scroll for themselves.

**Why was the "scribe's chamber" a significant location for this meeting?**

Answer: The "scribe's chamber" (Hebrew: _lishkat hasopher_) was an official administrative room within the royal palace. Its significance lies in its formal nature; it was a place where official business was conducted, records were kept, and important meetings took place. This setting underscores that the princes were not meeting Baruch casually but in an official capacity, recognizing the gravity of the message he carried. It also highlights the role of scribes in ancient Near Eastern courts as influential figures involved in governance and communication.

**Who were the princes mentioned, and what was their role?**

Answer: The princes listed—Elishama, Delaiah, Elnathan, Gemariah, and Zedekiah—were high-ranking officials and advisors to King Jehoiakim. They represented the political and administrative leadership of Judah. Their role was to govern the nation, advise the king, and manage state affairs. Their presence in the scribe's chamber indicates that they were the primary audience for God's message delivered through Baruch, making them directly accountable for their response to Jeremiah's prophecies concerning the impending Babylonian judgment. Their actions, particularly their initial respectful hearing of the scroll, contrast sharply with King Jehoiakim's later destructive reaction (see [Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:12, with Baruch bringing God's word to the princes, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus. Just as Baruch was the messenger of the written word to the authorities of his day, Jesus is the ultimate "Word made flesh" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the very embodiment of God's revelation. He descended from heaven to earth, entering the "king's house" of humanity, not just to deliver a message but to *be* the message of salvation. Throughout His ministry, Jesus directly confronted the religious and political authorities of His time, from the scribes and Pharisees in the Temple courts ([Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees")) to Pilate in the Roman governor's palace ([John 18:33-38](/john/18-33 "John 18:33-38 - Jesus Before Pilate")). He spoke with unparalleled authority, declaring the kingdom of God and exposing the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of those in power. While Jeremiah's word brought a message of judgment and a call to repentance, Jesus, as the Lamb of God, brought the ultimate message of deliverance through His atoning sacrifice ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His life, death, and resurrection are the definitive divine word to all humanity, including those in authority, calling them to acknowledge Him as Lord and King, for "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")).

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 26:22

And Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt, [namely], Elnathan the son of Achbor, and [certain] men with him into Egypt.

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 22:12

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,

Jeremiah 41:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the seventh month, [that] Ishmael the son of Nethaniah the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, and the princes of the king, even ten men with him, came unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they did eat bread together in Mizpah.

Jeremiah 28:1

¶ And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, [and] in the fifth month, [that] Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which [was] of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,

Jeremiah 28:17

So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

Jeremiah 36:20

¶ And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king.