Jeremiah 36:13

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Jeremiah 36:13

Jeremiah 36:13 is a pivotal verse within a significant narrative detailing the divine warning given to Judah during the reign of King Jehoiakim. Earlier in the chapter, God commanded the prophet Jeremiah to compile all his prophecies against Israel, Judah, and all nations into a scroll (Jeremiah 36:2). Due to Jeremiah being restricted, he dictated these words to his scribe, Baruch son of Neriah (Jeremiah 36:4). Baruch was then instructed to read this scroll publicly in the temple on a fast day, hoping the people would repent (Jeremiah 36:6-8). Michaiah, the son of Gemariah (a prominent scribe and prince), was present when Baruch read the scroll. This verse describes Michaiah's immediate action: reporting what he heard to the other princes gathered in the palace, setting in motion the events that would bring the scroll before King Jehoiakim.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Transmission of Divine Revelation: This verse highlights the chain of communication for God's word—from Jeremiah (prophet) to Baruch (scribe/reader) to Michaiah (hearer/reporter) to the princes (authorities). It underscores the meticulous process through which God ensured His message reached those in power.
  • The Urgency of Prophetic Warning: Michaiah's prompt declaration indicates the gravity and impact of the message contained in the scroll. The prophecies were not merely historical records but urgent warnings calling for repentance to avert impending judgment.
  • Accountability and Witness: Michaiah’s act of declaring the words to the princes means that a crucial group of leaders became aware of God's message and the potential consequences for their nation. Their subsequent actions (or inactions) would be a direct response to this divine warning. This echoes the broader biblical principle that those who hear God's word have a responsibility to heed it.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "declared" (נָגַד, nagad) implies a clear, open, and comprehensive telling. It's not merely whispering or hinting, but a full and direct report of "all the words that he had heard." This emphasizes Michaiah's faithfulness in relaying the entire message as he received it, without omission or alteration, which was crucial given the serious nature of the prophecy.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 36:13 reminds us of the importance of receiving and relaying God's truth faithfully. Michaiah’s action serves as a model for being attentive to God's word and then courageously sharing it, especially when it involves difficult truths or warnings. In an age of abundant information, this verse challenges believers to be diligent listeners of divine revelation and responsible communicators, ensuring that God's message is heard clearly and accurately by those who need to hear it. It also highlights the responsibility of leaders to listen to and consider prophetic warnings, understanding that their choices have significant consequences for the people they govern.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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