Jeremiah 36:13

KJV

Then Michaiah declared unto them all the words that he had heard, when Baruch read the book in the ears of the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Michaiah {H4321} declared {H5046} unto them all the words {H1697} that he had heard {H8085}, when Baruch {H1263} read {H7121} the book {H5612} in the ears {H241} of the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Mikhay'hu told them all the words he had heard when Barukh read the scroll in the people's hearing;

Berean Standard Bible

And Micaiah reported to them all the words he had heard Baruch read from the scroll in the hearing of the people.

American Standard Version

Then Micaiah declared unto them all the words that he had heard, when Baruch read the book in the ears of the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:13 details a crucial moment in the transmission of God's prophetic word to Judah. It describes Michaiah, son of Gemariah, faithfully reporting to the princes in the palace all the words he had heard when Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, publicly read the scroll containing divine judgments and calls to repentance. This act of immediate and accurate relaying of the prophetic message sets in motion the events that would bring God's word before King Jehoiakim, underscoring the urgency and accountability associated with divine revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Jeremiah chapter 36, which chronicles the first written collection of Jeremiah's prophecies. The narrative begins with God commanding Jeremiah to write down "all the words" He had spoken against Israel, Judah, and all nations, from the time of Josiah's reign ([Jeremiah 36:2](/jeremiah/36-2 "Jeremiah 36:2 - God Commands Jeremiah to Write")). Because Jeremiah was restricted, he dictated these words to his scribe, Baruch son of Neriah ([Jeremiah 36:4](/jeremiah/36-4 "Jeremiah 36:4 - Jeremiah Dictates to Baruch")). Baruch was then instructed to read this scroll publicly in the temple courts on a fast day, with the hope that the people would repent and turn from their evil ways, so that God might forgive their iniquity ([Jeremiah 36:6-7](/jeremiah/36-6 "Jeremiah 36:6-7 - Baruch Reads the Scroll in the Temple")). Michaiah, son of Gemariah, was present during this public reading and, upon hearing the profound message, immediately went to the king's palace to inform the princes, thereby initiating the chain of events that would ultimately lead to the scroll being read before King Jehoiakim.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 36 unfold during the turbulent reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period marked by political instability and spiritual decline in Judah. Jehoiakim was a vassal king installed by Egypt, and his reign was characterized by idolatry, injustice, and a defiant rejection of God's prophets, particularly Jeremiah. The nation was caught between the rising power of Babylon and the declining influence of Egypt. Jeremiah's prophecies, as recorded in this scroll, were urgent warnings of impending Babylonian invasion and exile, a direct consequence of Judah's persistent unfaithfulness and refusal to repent. Public readings of official documents or decrees were common in ancient Near Eastern societies, and the temple court was a natural venue for such a significant declaration, especially during a fast day when many people would gather. The presence of scribes and princes in the palace indicates the bureaucratic and political structures through which such critical information would typically be processed.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 36:13 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah. Foremost is the **transmission of divine revelation**, illustrating the meticulous process through which God ensures His word reaches His intended audience, even through multiple intermediaries. It highlights the **urgency of prophetic warning**, as Michaiah's prompt action underscores the gravity of the message and the impending judgment that required immediate attention and response. The verse also speaks to **accountability and witness**, as Michaiah's declaration made a crucial group of leaders aware of God's message, placing upon them the responsibility to heed or reject it. This narrative, particularly in its broader context within [Jeremiah 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - The Burning of the Scroll"), powerfully portrays the **resistance to God's word** by those in power, contrasting Michaiah's faithful relaying with Jehoiakim's defiant rejection, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of the prophecies of judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **declared (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** (H5046) This primitive root means "to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present)." It signifies a clear, open, and comprehensive telling, not merely a whisper or hint. Michaiah's action was a full and direct report, emphasizing his faithfulness in relaying the entire message without omission or alteration.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) More than just spoken utterances, _dâbâr_ encompasses "a matter (as spoken of) or thing; by implication, a cause, act, advice, affair, decree, deed, message, oracle." In this context, it refers to the weighty, authoritative divine pronouncements of judgment and calls to repentance that Jeremiah had received from God. Michaiah was declaring not just sounds, but the very substance and import of God's message.
* **ears (Hebrew, _ʼôzen'_):** (H241) Derived from a root meaning "broadness," this term refers to the physical ear, but contextually implies the act of hearing, giving attention, and receiving understanding. Baruch read "in the ears of the people," signifying a public, audible declaration intended for reception and comprehension by the audience. Michaiah's act of hearing "all the words" implies attentive listening and full apprehension of the message's content and significance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Michaiah declared unto them all the words that he had heard,"**: This clause highlights Michaiah's immediate and responsible action. Having been present for Baruch's public reading, he did not keep the vital information to himself but promptly and fully conveyed "all the words"—the entirety of the divine message—to the princes. This emphasizes the integrity and urgency of his communication, acting as a faithful conduit for God's word.
* **"when Baruch read the book in the ears of the people."**: This sub-clause provides the context and source of Michaiah's information. It specifies that Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, was the one who publicly delivered the message. The phrase "in the ears of the people" signifies a public, audible, and accessible proclamation, ensuring that the divine warning was not hidden but presented openly for all to hear and consider. It underscores the public nature of prophetic revelation and the accountability that follows its reception.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Chain of Transmission** as a narrative device, illustrating the meticulous process by which God's word is conveyed from the prophet (Jeremiah) to the scribe (Baruch), then to an attentive hearer (Michaiah), and finally to the ruling authorities (the princes). This highlights the divine intention for the message to reach those in power. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** in Michaiah's diligent reporting, as it sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation between God's word and King Jehoiakim's hardened heart later in the chapter. The "book" itself functions as a **Symbol** of divine authority and a tangible representation of God's covenant lawsuit against His people, making their rejection of it an act of direct defiance against the Almighty. The phrase "all the words" serves as an **Emphasis**, underscoring the completeness and unalterable nature of the divine message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:13 powerfully illustrates the principle of divine communication and human responsibility in receiving and transmitting God's word. Michaiah's diligent and immediate declaration of "all the words" he heard exemplifies faithful stewardship of prophetic revelation. This act underscores the gravity of God's message, which is not merely information but a life-and-death call to repentance. The subsequent events in the chapter, where the king defiantly burns the scroll, underscore the profound consequences of rejecting divine truth. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that God's word, once declared, demands a response, and those who hear it bear a weighty responsibility to heed and, if called, to convey it accurately to others.

* [Ezekiel 33:6](/ekiel/33-6 "Ezekiel 33:6 - The Watchman's Responsibility"): This verse parallels the watchman's responsibility to warn the people, highlighting the accountability of those who receive and are meant to relay divine warnings.
* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - God Will Raise Up a Prophet"): God promises to raise up prophets through whom He will speak, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the "words" that Michaiah heard and declared.
* [Hebrews 4:7](/hebrews/4-7 "Hebrews 4:7 - Today, If You Hear His Voice"): This New Testament verse echoes the urgency of responding to God's voice "today," reinforcing the critical nature of the prophetic warning heard by Michaiah and relayed to the princes.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Michaiah's actions in Jeremiah 36:13 offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. In an age saturated with information, the faithful reception and accurate transmission of God's truth remain paramount. Michaiah was not merely a passive listener; he actively engaged with the message, understood its gravity, and courageously conveyed it to those in authority, despite potential personal risk. This challenges us to be attentive listeners to God's word, whether through scripture, preaching, or the Holy Spirit's promptings. Furthermore, it calls us to be responsible communicators, ensuring that when we share biblical truths, we do so with integrity, clarity, and the full weight of its divine authority, not diluting or distorting it to suit our preferences or avoid discomfort. This verse reminds leaders, in particular, of their solemn duty to listen to and consider divine warnings, recognizing that their choices have significant spiritual and societal consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How attentive am I to hearing "all the words" of God, not just the comfortable ones?**
* **In what ways am I called to "declare" God's truth to those around me, especially to those in positions of influence?**
* **What are the potential risks or challenges I might face in faithfully relaying God's message, and how can I overcome them?**
* **How does my response to God's word reflect my understanding of its divine authority and urgency?**

### FAQ
**Who was Michaiah and what was his significance in this narrative?**

Answer: Michaiah was the son of Gemariah, who himself was a prominent scribe and prince in King Jehoiakim's court. Michaiah's significance lies in his immediate and faithful response to hearing God's word read publicly by Baruch. Unlike many of the officials and ultimately the king, Michaiah recognized the gravity of the message. His action of promptly going to the palace to "declare unto them all the words that he had heard" to the other princes was a critical step in the chain of events that brought the scroll before the king. He served as a vital link in the transmission of God's urgent warning, demonstrating a commendable sense of responsibility and attentiveness to divine revelation in a time of widespread spiritual apathy and defiance.

**Why was it important for Baruch to read the scroll "in the ears of the people"?**

Answer: Baruch reading the scroll "in the ears of the people" was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it fulfilled God's direct command to Jeremiah, who was restricted from entering the temple ([Jeremiah 36:5-6](/jeremiah/36-5 "Jeremiah 36:5-6 - Jeremiah's Restriction and Baruch's Task")). Secondly, it ensured a public and widespread proclamation of God's message, making it accessible to a broad audience during a fast day when many would gather at the temple. This public declaration served as an official divine warning, leaving the people and their leaders without excuse for their subsequent actions. It underscored the transparency of God's justice and His desire for His people to hear, repent, and turn from their evil ways, so that He might forgive their iniquity ([Jeremiah 36:7](/jeremiah/36-7 "Jeremiah 36:7 - Hope for Repentance")). The act of reading "in the ears" emphasizes the intention for the message to be heard, understood, and acted upon by all who listened.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:13, with its emphasis on the faithful transmission of God's "words" to be heard "in the ears of the people," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and mission of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "Word" of God made flesh, the complete and final revelation of the Father ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as Baruch read Jeremiah's words to the people, Jesus himself "declared" the words of God, speaking with unparalleled authority and clarity, not merely as a prophet but as God incarnate ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks What the Father Commands")). The call for the people to hear and respond to Jeremiah's scroll foreshadows the divine imperative to hear and obey the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). Furthermore, Michaiah's faithful relaying of the message prefigures the apostles and disciples who, having heard the words of Christ, were commissioned to "declare" His gospel to all nations, ensuring that the message of salvation reaches the "ears of the people" across all generations ([Acts 4:20](/acts/4-20 "Acts 4:20 - We Cannot But Speak"); [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The rejection of Jeremiah's scroll by Jehoiakim tragically foreshadows the world's rejection of Christ and His message, yet the enduring power of God's word, which cannot be truly destroyed, finds its ultimate triumph in the resurrection and the ongoing proclamation of the gospel, which continues to call all to repentance and faith in the Living Word.

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

2 Kings 22:10

And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.

2 Chronicles 34:16

And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do [it].

2 Chronicles 34:18

Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.

2 Chronicles 34:24

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, [even] all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah:

Jonah 3:6

For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered [him] with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

2 Kings 22:19

Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard [thee], saith the LORD.