Jeremiah 36:15

Jeremiah 36:15 captures a pivotal moment in the transmission of God's prophetic word through Jeremiah. Here, the princes of Judah, having heard a report of Baruch reading the scroll in the temple, summon Baruch to their chamber. Their directive, "Sit down now, and read it in our ears," emphasizes their desire for a direct, authoritative hearing of the prophetic message. Baruch's immediate obedience, "So Baruch read [it] in their ears," highlights his crucial role as Jeremiah's faithful scribe and messenger.

Context

This verse is part of a dramatic narrative in Jeremiah chapter 36. God had commanded Jeremiah to write down all the words He had spoken against Judah, Jerusalem, and other nations, hoping they might repent. Since Jeremiah was restricted, he dictated these prophecies to his scribe, Baruch, who then read the scroll publicly in the Temple on a fast day. Micaiah, the son of Gemariah, overheard Baruch and reported it to the royal officials, or "princes," gathered in the scribe's chamber. Their request for Baruch to read it again in their presence shows a mixture of curiosity, concern, and perhaps a desire to verify the message before presenting it to King Jehoiakim. This scene underscores the gravity with which prophetic messages were sometimes received, even by those who would later oppose them.

Key Themes

• The Authority of God's Word: The princes' insistence on hearing the scroll directly signifies their recognition of its importance and potential divine origin. Despite their varying responses later, they initially treat the word as something weighty and requiring direct attention.
• The Role of the Scribe: Baruch's function as Jeremiah's faithful scribe is central. He is not just a copyist but an active participant in the delivery of God's message, serving as Jeremiah's voice when the prophet himself could not be present. His obedience to both Jeremiah and the princes' request ensures the word is heard.
• The Act of Hearing: The phrase "read it in our ears" emphasizes the direct, personal reception of the prophetic message. It wasn't enough to hear a report; they wanted to hear the very words, creating an intimate encounter with the divine message that would evoke strong reactions, as seen in Jeremiah 36:16.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "read it in our ears" is a common Hebrew idiom emphasizing direct, audible communication. It's not merely about reading silently to oneself, but about proclaiming the words aloud so that the listeners can fully absorb them. This highlights the oral tradition of transmitting divine revelation and its immediate impact on the audience.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 36:15 reminds us of the importance of truly "hearing" God's word. In an age of abundant information, it's easy to skim or passively consume scripture. However, this verse encourages a deeper engagement—a willingness to sit down, pay attention, and allow the message to penetrate our "ears" and hearts. Just as the princes sought a direct encounter with the prophecy, we are called to actively listen and reflect on the truths of the Bible. The enduring nature of God's word, even when faced with opposition (as seen later with King Jehoiakim's defiance in Jeremiah 36:23), underscores its timeless relevance and power to transform lives.