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Commentary on Jeremiah 36 verses 9–19
It should seem that Baruch had been frequently reading out of the book, to all companies that would give him the hearing, before the most solemn reading of it altogether which is here spoken of; for the directions were given about it in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, whereas this was done in the fifth year, Jer 36:9. But some think that the writing of the book fairly over took up so much time that it was another year ere it was perfected; and yet perhaps it might not be past a month or two; he might begin in the latter end of the fourth year and finish it in the beginning of the fifth, for thee ninth month refers to the computation of the year in general, not to the year of that reign. Now observe here, 1. The government appointed a public fast to be religiously observed (Jer 36:9), on account either of the distress they were brought into by the army of the Chaldeans or of the want of rain (Jer 14:1): They proclaimed a fast to the people; whether the king and princes or the priests, ordered this fast, is not certain; but it was plain that God by his providence called them aloud to it. Note, Great shows of piety and devotion may be found even among those who, though they keep up these forms of godliness, are strangers and enemies to the power of it. But what will such hypocritical services avail? Fasting, without reforming and turning away from sin, will never turn away the judgments of God, Jon 3:10. Notwithstanding this fast, God proceeded in his controversy with this people. 2. Baruch repeated Jeremiah's sermons publicly in the house of the Lord, on the fast-day. He stood in a chamber that belonged to Gemariah, and out of a window, or balcony, read to the people that were in the court, Jer 36:10. Note, When we are speaking to God we must be willing to hear from him; and therefore, on days of fasting and prayer, it is requisite that the word be read and preached. Hearken unto me, that God may hearken unto you. Jdg 9:7. For our help in suing out mercy and grace, it is proper that we should be told of sin and duty. 3. An account was brought of this to the princes that attended the court and were now together in the secretary's office, here called the scribe's chamber, Jer 36:12. It should seem, though the princes had called the people to meet in the house of God, to fact, and pray, and hear the word, they did not think fit to attend there themselves, which was a sign that it was not from a principle of true devotion, but merely for fashion sake, that they proclaimed this fast. We are willing to hope that it was not with a bad design, to bring Jeremiah into trouble for his preaching, but with a good design, to bring the princes into trouble for their sins, that Michaiah informed the princes of what Baruch had read; for his father Gemariah so far countenanced Baruch as to lend him his chamber to read out of. Michaiah finds the princes sitting in the scribe's chamber, and tells them they had better have been where he had been, hearing a good sermon in the temple, which he gives them the heads of. Note, When we have heard some good word that has affected and edified us we should be ready to communicate it to others that did not hear it, for their edification. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 4. Baruch is sent for, and is ordered to sit down among them and read it all over again to them (Jer 36:14, Jer 36:15), which he readily did, not complaining that he was weary with his public work and therefore desiring to be excused, nor upbraiding the princes with their being absent from the temple, where they might have heard it when he read it there. Note, God's ministers must become all things to all men, if by any means they may gain some, must comply with them in circumstances, that they may secure the substance. St. Paul preached privately to those of reputation, Gal 2:2. 5. The princes were for the present much affected with the word that was read to them, Jer 36:16. Observe, They heard all the words they did not interrupt him, but very patiently attended to the reading of the whole book; for otherwise how could they form a competent judgment of it? And, when they had heard all, they were afraid, were all afraid, one as well as another; like Felix, who trembled at Paul's reasonings. The reproofs were just, the threatenings terrible, and the predictions now in a fair way to be fulfilled; so that, laying all together, they were in a great consternation. We are not told what impressions this reading of the roll made upon the people (Jer 36:10), but the princes were put into a fright by it, and (as some read it) looked one upon another, not knowing what to say. They were all convinced that it was worthy to be regarded, but none of them had courage to second it, only they agreed to tell the king of all these words; and, if he think fit to give credit to them, they will, otherwise not, no, though it were to prevent the ruin of the nation. And yet at the same time they knew the king's mind so far that they advised Baruch and Jeremiah to hide themselves (Jer 36:19) and to shift as they could for their own safety, expecting no other than that the king, instead of being convinced, would be exasperated. Note, It is common for sinners, under convictions, to endeavour to shake them off, by shifting off the prosecution of them to other persons, as these princes here, or to another more convenient season, as Felix. 6. They asked Baruch a trifling question, How he wrote all these words (v. 17), as if they suspected there was something extraordinary in it; but Baruch gives them a plain answer, that there was nothing but what was common in the manner of the writing - Jeremiah dictated and he wrote, Jer 36:18. But thus it is common for those who would avoid the convictions of the word of God to start needless questions about the way and manner of the inspiration of it.
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SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:13 captures a pivotal moment in the transmission of God's urgent prophetic message to the kingdom of Judah. It meticulously records Michaiah, son of Gemariah, faithfully relaying to the assembled princes in the royal palace the entirety of the divine pronouncements he had just heard Baruch, Jeremiah's trusted scribe, publicly read from a scroll. This act of immediate, accurate, and courageous communication initiated the critical chain of events that brought the unvarnished word of the Lord before King Jehoiakim, underscoring the profound gravity and accountability inherent in divine revelation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:13 effectively employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact and theological depth. The verse exemplifies Chain of Transmission as a narrative device, meticulously illustrating the ordered process by which God's word is conveyed from the prophet (Jeremiah) to the scribe (Baruch), then to an attentive and responsible hearer (Michaiah), and finally to the ruling authorities (the princes). This highlights the divine intention for the message to reach those in power and underscores the various human roles in its dissemination. Furthermore, there is a strong element of Foreshadowing in Michaiah's diligent and immediate reporting, as his action directly sets the stage for the dramatic and tragic confrontation between God's unyielding word and King Jehoiakim's hardened, defiant heart later in the chapter. The "book" itself functions as a potent Symbol of divine authority, a tangible representation of God's covenant lawsuit against His rebellious people, and a record of His unalterable decrees. Consequently, the subsequent rejection and destruction of this physical scroll by the king becomes an act of direct, blasphemous defiance against the Almighty Himself. The phrase "all the words" serves as a powerful Emphasis, underscoring the completeness, integrity, and unalterable nature of the divine message, implying that no part of it could be ignored or dismissed.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:13 profoundly illustrates the principle of divine communication and the weighty human responsibility in receiving, processing, and transmitting God's authoritative word. Michaiah's diligent and immediate declaration of "all the words" he heard exemplifies faithful stewardship of prophetic revelation in a time of widespread spiritual apathy and rebellion. This act underscores the inherent gravity of God's message, which is not merely informational but a life-and-death call to repentance and obedience. The subsequent events in the chapter, where the king defiantly burns the scroll, serve as a stark and tragic illustration of the profound consequences of rejecting divine truth. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that God's word, once declared and heard, demands a decisive response, and those who hear it bear a solemn responsibility to heed its warnings and, if called, to convey it accurately and courageously to others, regardless of the personal cost.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Michaiah's actions in Jeremiah 36:13 offer profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers and leaders alike. In an age saturated with information, much of it trivial or misleading, the faithful reception and accurate transmission of God's unchanging truth remain paramount. Michaiah was not a passive bystander; he actively engaged with the message, understood its immense gravity, and courageously conveyed it to those in authority, despite the inherent political and personal risks. This challenges us to cultivate a posture of attentive and discerning listening to God's word, whether encountered through the inspired Scriptures, faithful preaching, or the subtle promptings of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, it compels us to be responsible and courageous communicators, ensuring that when we share biblical truths, we do so with unwavering integrity, crystal clarity, and the full weight of its divine authority, never diluting, distorting, or selectively presenting it to suit our preferences, avoid discomfort, or gain favor. This verse serves as a potent reminder, particularly for those in leadership positions within the church or society, of their solemn duty to listen to and earnestly consider divine warnings, recognizing that their choices and responses have profound spiritual and societal consequences, impacting not only themselves but also those under their influence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Michaiah and what was his significance in this narrative?
Answer: Michaiah was the son of Gemariah, who was himself a prominent scribe and prince serving in King Jehoiakim's court. Michaiah's significance in this narrative lies in his immediate, discerning, and faithful response to hearing God's word read publicly by Baruch. Unlike many of the other officials and ultimately the king, Michaiah recognized the profound gravity and divine authority of the message contained in the scroll. His decisive 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 and indispensable step in the chain of events that brought the scroll before the king. He served as a vital, courageous link in the transmission of God's urgent warning, demonstrating a commendable sense of responsibility, spiritual attentiveness, and moral courage in a time marked by widespread spiritual apathy and defiant rejection of divine revelation.
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 crucially important for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it directly fulfilled God's explicit command to Jeremiah, who was restricted from entering the temple courts (Jeremiah 36:5-6). Secondly, this public reading ensured a widespread and accessible proclamation of God's message, making it available to a broad audience, particularly during a fast day when many people would naturally gather at the temple. This public declaration served as an official divine warning, leaving both the populace and their leaders without any legitimate excuse for their subsequent actions or inaction. It powerfully underscored the transparency of God's justice and His profound desire for His people to hear, genuinely repent, and turn from their evil ways, so that He might extend forgiveness for their iniquity (Jeremiah 36:7). The phrase "in the ears" emphatically highlights the intention for the message to be heard, understood, internalized, and ultimately acted upon by all who listened.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:13, with its profound emphasis on the faithful transmission of God's "words" to be heard "in the ears of the people," finds its ultimate and most glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive mission of Jesus Christ. He is the pre-existent, eternal "Word" of God made flesh, the complete, final, and perfect revelation of the Father's character, will, and redemptive plan (John 1:1 and John 1:14). Just as Baruch meticulously read Jeremiah's words to the gathered populace, Jesus Himself "declared" the very words of God, speaking with unparalleled divine authority and crystalline clarity, not merely as a prophet but as God incarnate (John 12:49-50). The urgent call for the people of Judah to hear and respond to Jeremiah's scroll powerfully foreshadows the divine imperative for all humanity to hear and obey the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who calls His sheep by name (John 10:27). Furthermore, Michaiah's faithful and courageous relaying of the message prefigures the apostolic commission given to Jesus' disciples, who, having intimately heard the words of Christ, were then empowered by the Holy Spirit to "declare" His glorious gospel to all nations, ensuring that the message of salvation reaches the "ears of the people" across every generation and to the ends of the earth (Acts 4:20; Matthew 28:19-20). While the rejection of Jeremiah's scroll by King Jehoiakim tragically foreshadows the world's widespread rejection of Christ and His message, the enduring power and indestructible nature of God's word finds its ultimate triumph in the resurrection of Jesus and the ongoing, unstoppable proclamation of the gospel, which continues to call all people to repentance, faith, and life in the Living Word.