Jeremiah 36:14

KJV

Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore all the princes {H8269} sent {H7971} Jehudi {H3065} the son {H1121} of Nethaniah {H5418}, the son {H1121} of Shelemiah {H8018}, the son {H1121} of Cushi {H3570}, unto Baruch {H1263}, saying {H559}, Take {H3947} in thine hand {H3027} the roll {H4039} wherein thou hast read {H7121} in the ears {H241} of the people {H5971}, and come {H3212}. So Baruch {H1263} the son {H1121} of Neriah {H5374} took {H3947} the roll {H4039} in his hand {H3027}, and came {H935} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

whereupon all the officials sent Y'hudi the son of N'tanyahu, the son of Shelemyahu, the son of Kushi, to Barukh to say, "Take in your hand the scroll from which you read in the hearing of the people, and come." So Barukh the son of Neriyah took the scroll in his hand and went to them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then all the officials sent word to Baruch through Jehudi son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, saying, “Bring the scroll that you read in the hearing of the people, and come here.” So Baruch son of Neriah took the scroll and went to them.

American Standard Version

Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thy hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:14 details a pivotal moment in the transmission of God's judgment against Judah, as the high-ranking officials, referred to as "princes," dispatch Jehudi to summon Baruch, the scribe of the prophet Jeremiah. Their instruction to Baruch is precise: he is to bring the scroll containing the divine prophecies that he had previously read publicly, and present himself before them. The verse concludes with Baruch's immediate and obedient compliance, underscoring the urgency and significance of the message contained within the sacred text.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of [Jeremiah chapter 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - The Writing and Burning of the Scroll"), which recounts Jeremiah's obedience to God's command to record all the prophecies spoken against Israel, Judah, and other nations since the beginning of Josiah's reign ([Jeremiah 36:2](/jeremiah/36-2 "Jeremiah 36:2 - God's Command to Jeremiah")). Due to Jeremiah's confinement, Baruch served as his amanuensis, writing down the dictated words. Baruch then publicly read this scroll in the temple courtyard on a fast day, ensuring the message reached a wide audience ([Jeremiah 36:8-10](/jeremiah/36-8 "Jeremiah 36:8-10 - Baruch Reads the Scroll")). The report of this public reading by Micaiah, the son of Gemariah, prompted the princes to send for Baruch, setting the stage for the events of [Jeremiah 36:14](/jeremiah/36-14 "Jeremiah 36:14 - The Princes Summon Baruch"). This immediate context highlights the escalating tension and the critical nature of the divine word in a nation teetering on the brink of judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Jeremiah 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - The Writing and Burning of the Scroll") unfold during the reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period marked by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of Babylonian conquest. Jehoiakim was a vassal king to Egypt before shifting allegiance to Babylon, only to rebel later. Unlike his father Josiah, who initiated significant religious reforms, Jehoiakim reversed many of these, leading Judah further into idolatry and injustice. In this volatile environment, prophets like Jeremiah often faced persecution for speaking God's unpopular truth. The "princes" mentioned in the verse were high-ranking officials, likely part of the royal court, whose roles included advising the king and administering justice. Their summoning of Baruch reflects the customary practice of seeking counsel or information from scribes and prophets, especially concerning matters of national importance or divine revelation, even if their motives were mixed. The act of writing and reading scrolls was the primary means of preserving and disseminating official and religious texts in ancient Judah.
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 36:14](/jeremiah/36-14 "Jeremiah 36:14 - The Princes Summon Baruch") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the **transmission of divine revelation** through human agents. Baruch, as Jeremiah's faithful scribe, plays a crucial role in ensuring God's word is recorded and proclaimed, emphasizing the importance of stewardship over sacred texts. Secondly, the verse highlights the **authority and power of God's word**. The very act of the princes summoning Baruch to hear the scroll demonstrates an acknowledgment, at some level, of the message's divine origin and its potential impact on their nation's destiny, even if their ultimate response would be one of rejection ([Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")). Thirdly, it sets up the theme of **human response to God's warnings**. While the princes show initial curiosity, the subsequent events reveal a spectrum of reactions, from genuine concern among some officials to outright defiance and contempt from King Jehoiakim, illustrating the tragic consequences of hardened hearts in the face of divine truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **princes (Hebrew, _sar'_):** From H8269 (שָׂר), meaning "a head person (of any rank or class); captain, chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward." In this context, "princes" refers to the leading officials or high-ranking members of King Jehoiakim's court. Their collective decision to send for Baruch signifies an official and authoritative summons, reflecting their position of power and influence within the kingdom's administration.
* **roll (Hebrew, _mᵉgillâh'_):** From H4039 (מְגִלָּה), meaning "a roll; volume." This term specifically denotes a scroll, the standard form of written document in ancient Israel. The "roll" in this verse is no ordinary document; it is the divinely inspired collection of prophecies dictated by Jeremiah, containing God's warnings and judgments against Judah. Its physical form as a "roll" emphasizes its tangible nature as a transmitted message, yet its content imbues it with immense spiritual and national significance.
* **read (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121 (קָרָא), a primitive root meaning "to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); ...read, pronounce, publish." The princes' instruction to Baruch, "wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people," refers to the public proclamation of the scroll's contents. This act of "reading" was not merely silent perusal but a vocal, public declaration designed for an audience to hear and comprehend, highlighting the oral culture of the time and the intent for God's message to be heard clearly by all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the authority behind the summons. The "princes" (high-ranking officials) initiate the action, demonstrating their concern or curiosity regarding the scroll's contents. The detailed lineage of Jehudi ("the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi") lends formality and official weight to the messenger and the message, underscoring that this was a formal delegation, not a casual request. Jehudi's role is to deliver the command to Baruch.
* **"Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come."**: This is the direct command from the princes to Baruch. They instruct him to physically bring the scroll ("the roll") that he had previously read publicly in the temple. The phrase "in the ears of the people" confirms that the princes were aware of the public nature of Baruch's earlier reading and now desired to hear it themselves, perhaps to verify its contents or to assess its implications directly. The command "and come" is an imperative for Baruch to present himself, and the scroll, before them.
* **"So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them."**: This concluding clause highlights Baruch's immediate and unquestioning obedience. Despite the potential danger of delivering such a confrontational message to powerful officials, Baruch, identified by his full name and lineage ("the son of Neriah"), faithfully carries out the instruction. His action signifies his commitment to Jeremiah and, more importantly, to the divine word entrusted to him, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its significance. **Metonymy** is present in the use of "the roll" (Hebrew: *megillah*), which stands in for the entire body of divine prophecies and judgments contained within it. The physical object symbolizes the intangible, powerful word of God. The extensive genealogy of Jehudi ("the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi") serves as a form of **formal address** or **official authentication**, emphasizing the gravity and official nature of the summons from the princes. This detailed naming contrasts with the simpler identification of Baruch ("the son of Neriah"), perhaps subtly highlighting Baruch's role as a humble servant of God's word rather than a man of political standing. Furthermore, the verse functions as a moment of **rising action** in the narrative, building tension towards the climax of the scroll's reading before the king and its subsequent destruction, thus employing **foreshadowing** of the impending confrontation and the nation's ultimate rejection of God's warnings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:14 vividly illustrates the persistent nature of God's communication with humanity and the critical role of intermediaries in delivering His message. The princes' summons of Baruch, though ultimately leading to the scroll's destruction by Jehoiakim, underscores the inherent authority of the prophetic word, compelling even those in power to acknowledge its presence. This moment encapsulates the divine initiative to warn and call to repentance, even when faced with a hardened generation. It highlights the tension between God's clear revelation and humanity's freedom to accept or reject it, a theme central to biblical theology. The faithful act of Baruch in taking the scroll and going to the princes also serves as a timeless example of obedience and stewardship in the face of potential opposition, reminding believers of their call to faithfully transmit God's truth.

* [Deuteronomy 31:11-12](/deuteronomy/31-11 "Deuteronomy 31:11-12 - Public Reading of the Law")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:14 invites us to consider our own posture toward God's revealed word. Just as the princes, out of curiosity or concern, sought to hear the prophetic scroll, we too are called to diligently engage with the Scriptures. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual curiosity to a place of genuine receptivity and obedience. Baruch's ready compliance in bringing the scroll, despite the potential danger, serves as a powerful reminder of the faithful stewardship required of those entrusted with God's message. For leaders, it's a call to humbly seek and heed divine counsel, understanding that true wisdom comes from God's word, not human schemes. For every believer, it prompts self-examination: When confronted with God's truth, do we, like the princes, merely listen with a passing interest, or do we allow it to penetrate our hearts, leading to transformation, repentance, and a deeper walk with the Lord? The eternal implications of our response to God's word are profound.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How readily do I seek out and engage with God's Word in my daily life?**
* **What might be hindering me from fully receiving and obeying the truths I encounter in Scripture?**
* **In what ways am I called to be a faithful steward or messenger of God's Word, like Baruch, even when it might be inconvenient or unpopular?**
* **How does the response of the princes and King Jehoiakim to the scroll challenge or affirm my own heart's posture towards divine revelation?**

### FAQ

**Who was Jehudi, and why is his lineage so detailed?**

Answer: Jehudi was the messenger sent by the princes to summon Baruch. His detailed lineage ("the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi") serves to emphasize the official and formal nature of the summons. In ancient cultures, genealogies often established credibility, authority, and social standing. This was not a casual request but a formal delegation from the highest levels of the kingdom's administration, underscoring the gravity with which the princes viewed the prophetic scroll and its contents.

**Why was Jeremiah unable to go to the Temple himself to read the scroll?**

Answer: [Jeremiah 36:5](/jeremiah/36-5 "Jeremiah 36:5 - Jeremiah's Confinement") states, "I am shut up; I cannot go into the house of the LORD." The exact nature of Jeremiah's confinement is not specified, but it likely refers to being restricted from entering the Temple courts, possibly due to a previous prophetic act that angered the authorities, or perhaps a divine instruction to remain secluded for a period. This restriction necessitated Baruch's role as the public reader of the scroll, ensuring that God's message still reached the people despite Jeremiah's physical limitations.

**What happened to the scroll after Baruch read it to the princes?**

Answer: After Baruch read the scroll to the princes, they were deeply disturbed by its contents and advised him and Jeremiah to hide ([Jeremiah 36:16-19](/jeremiah/36-16 "Jeremiah 36:16-19 - Princes' Reaction and Advice")). They then reported the message to King Jehoiakim. When the king heard the scroll being read, he defiantly cut it with a scribe's knife and burned it in the firepot, piece by piece, showing utter contempt for God's word ([Jeremiah 36:21-23](/jeremiah/36-21 "Jeremiah 36:21-23 - King Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")). This act of rebellion led to a renewed command from the Lord for Jeremiah to dictate an even longer scroll, reiterating and expanding upon the original prophecies, with additional judgments against Jehoiakim for his defiance ([Jeremiah 36:27-32](/jeremiah/36-27 "Jeremiah 36:27-32 - The Rewritten Scroll")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:14, with its focus on the reception and rejection of God's written word, profoundly foreshadows the coming of the Living Word, Jesus Christ. Just as the prophetic scroll was God's direct communication to a rebellious Judah, Jesus is the ultimate and perfect revelation of God to humanity ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God") and [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")). The princes' initial curiosity about the scroll, followed by King Jehoiakim's violent rejection, mirrors the varied responses to Jesus during His earthly ministry. Many were curious, some believed, but the religious and political leaders largely rejected Him, ultimately crucifying the very Son of God ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10 "John 1:10-11 - He Came to His Own") and [Luke 23:13-25](/luke/23-13 "Luke 23:13-25 - Jesus Condemned")). Baruch's faithful delivery of the scroll, despite the danger, anticipates the faithful witness of the apostles and all who proclaim Christ, the embodiment of God's truth, to a world that often rejects Him. In Christ, the warnings and promises of the Old Testament find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), offering not just a message of judgment, but the ultimate message of salvation to all who believe.

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 36:2

Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day.

2 Kings 25:23

And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.

Zephaniah 1:1

¶ The word of the LORD which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Ezekiel 2:6

¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns [be] with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 2:7

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.

Jeremiah 41:18

Because of the Chaldeans: for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor in the land.