Jeremiah 36:15

KJV

And they said unto him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read [it] in their ears.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559} unto him, Sit down {H3427} now, and read {H7121} it in our ears {H241}. So Baruch {H1263} read {H7121} it in their ears {H241}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to him, "Sit down, please, and read it to us." Barukh read it to them.

Berean Standard Bible

“Please sit down,” they said, “and read it in our hearing.” So Baruch read it in their hearing.

American Standard Version

And they said unto him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read it in their ears.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:15 records a pivotal moment in the transmission of God's prophetic word: the Judean princes, having heard a report of Baruch reading Jeremiah's scroll in the temple, summon Baruch to their chamber. Their directive, "Sit down now, and read it in our ears," underscores their desire for a direct, authoritative hearing of the divine message. Baruch's immediate obedience, "So Baruch read [it] in their ears," highlights his crucial role as Jeremiah's faithful scribe and messenger, ensuring the word of the Lord reached those in power, even if it would later be rejected.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a dramatic and significant chapter, [Jeremiah 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - The Burning of the Scroll"), which details the writing, reading, and eventual destruction of Jeremiah's prophetic scroll. God had commanded Jeremiah to [write down all the words He had spoken](/jeremiah/36-2 "Jeremiah 36:2 - God's Command to Jeremiah") against Judah, Jerusalem, and other nations, with the hope that the people might repent. Due to Jeremiah's restricted access to the temple, he dictated these prophecies to his faithful scribe, Baruch. Baruch then [read the scroll publicly in the Temple](/jeremiah/36-8 "Jeremiah 36:8 - Baruch Reads the Scroll in the Temple") on a fast day. Micaiah, the son of Gemariah, overheard Baruch and reported the extraordinary event and its contents to the royal officials, or "princes," who were gathered in the scribe's chamber. Their request for Baruch to read the scroll again in their presence, as recorded in this verse, demonstrates a mixture of curiosity, concern, and perhaps a desire to verify the message directly before presenting it to King Jehoiakim. This scene sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation with the king that follows, where the word of God is met with outright defiance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 36 unfold during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period marked by political instability and spiritual apostasy in Judah. The nation was caught between the declining power of Egypt and the rising dominance of Babylon, with Jeremiah consistently prophesying Babylonian conquest as divine judgment for Judah's unfaithfulness. The "scribe's chamber" (mentioned in [Jeremiah 36:12](/jeremiah/36-12 "Jeremiah 36:12 - Micaiah Reports to the Princes")) was likely a formal office or meeting place within the royal palace or temple complex, where official business and legal matters were conducted. The act of public reading was a common and authoritative method of disseminating important information, decrees, and sacred texts in ancient Near Eastern societies. The princes' request for Baruch to "sit down" before reading indicates a formal setting, acknowledging the gravity of the message and the need for respectful attention. The urgency with which they act reflects the tense political climate and the potential implications of such a dire prophetic message for the nation's future.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 36:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is the **Authority and Inescapability of God's Word**. Despite the princes' varied responses later, their initial insistence on hearing the scroll directly signifies their recognition of its profound importance and potential divine origin. They treat the word as something weighty, demanding direct attention, even if King Jehoiakim would later [cut and burn the scroll](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - King Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll"), demonstrating the futility of human attempts to silence divine truth. Another crucial theme is the **Indispensable Role of the Scribe and Messenger**. Baruch's function as Jeremiah's faithful scribe is central; he is not merely a copyist but an active participant in the delivery of God's message, serving as Jeremiah's voice when the prophet himself was restricted. His obedience to both Jeremiah and the princes' request ensures the word is heard, even in hostile environments. Finally, the verse highlights the **Significance of Active Hearing and Reception**. The repeated phrase "read it in our ears" emphasizes the direct, personal, and audible reception of the prophetic message. It was not enough to hear a report; they desired to hear the very words themselves, creating an intimate encounter with the divine message that would evoke strong reactions, as seen in the princes' immediate fear and counsel in [Jeremiah 36:16](/jeremiah/36-16 "Jeremiah 36:16 - The Princes' Fear").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, this primitive root is used with great latitude, meaning "to say," but also implying to speak, declare, command, or utter. In this context, it signifies the authoritative and direct instruction given by the princes to Baruch, underscoring their position and the gravity of their request.
* **Sit down (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, this root primarily means "to sit down," but also extends to dwelling, remaining, or settling. The command "Sit down now" indicates a formal invitation or directive for Baruch to take a seated position, signifying the establishment of a formal setting for the reading, conducive to attentive listening and respectful reception of the message.
* **read (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, this root means "to call out to," "to proclaim," or "to read aloud." It implies an audible, public declaration rather than a silent perusal. The princes' instruction to "read it in our ears" emphasizes the oral nature of the message's transmission and their desire for direct, unmediated hearing. Baruch's subsequent action uses the same verb, confirming his role as the vocal conduit of God's word.
* **ears (Hebrew, _ʼôzen'_):** From H241, referring to the physical organ of hearing. The repeated phrase "in our ears" and "in their ears" is a common Hebrew idiom emphasizing direct, audible, and personal reception. It signifies that the message was not merely spoken, but intended to be fully absorbed and understood by the listeners, highlighting the importance of attentive hearing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto him,"**: This opening clause establishes the authority and initiative of the princes. Having heard Micaiah's report, they take immediate action, summoning Baruch to their presence. Their collective "they" signifies a unified decision by the royal officials.
* **"Sit down now, and read it in our ears."**: This is the direct command from the princes to Baruch. "Sit down now" creates a formal, settled atmosphere, indicating their intent to give full and undivided attention. The crucial phrase "read it in our ears" is an idiom emphasizing the desire for a direct, audible, and personal encounter with the scroll's contents, rather than a secondhand account. They want to hear the exact words as they were written and proclaimed.
* **"So Baruch read [it] in their ears."**: This clause describes Baruch's immediate and faithful obedience to the princes' directive. It confirms his role as the obedient messenger and scribe, ensuring that the divine word, as dictated by Jeremiah, was indeed delivered directly to the ears of these influential officials. The repetition of "in their ears" reinforces the direct, audible transmission of the message.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically the Hebrew phrase "read it in our ears" (or "in their ears"). This is not merely a literal description of the act of reading but an idiomatic expression emphasizing direct, audible, and personal communication, highlighting the desire for the message to be heard and absorbed with full attention. The **Repetition** of this very idiom ("in our ears" / "in their ears") within such a short verse serves to underscore the central importance of the act of hearing the divine word. It draws the reader's attention to the sensory experience of receiving the prophecy. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony** and **Foreshadowing** at play. The princes' initial attentiveness and solemn request for Baruch to read contrast sharply with the subsequent actions of King Jehoiakim, who contemptuously burns the scroll. This subtle irony highlights the varying reception of God's word and foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Jeremiah's message by the ruling elite, despite its clear and direct presentation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:15 serves as a powerful illustration of the divine intention for God's word to be heard, understood, and responded to. It underscores the critical role of human intermediaries—prophets and scribes—in the transmission of revelation, ensuring that God's message is not merely conceived but also communicated effectively to His people. The princes' desire for a direct hearing reflects a universal human need to encounter truth firsthand, especially when it carries divine authority and significant consequences. This moment highlights the responsibility that comes with hearing God's word, whether it leads to repentance, fear, or, tragically, rejection. The act of hearing is portrayed not as a passive reception but as an active engagement that demands a response.

* [Deuteronomy 31:11-12](/deuteronomy/31-11 "Public Reading of the Law")
* [Nehemiah 8:3](/nehemiah/8-3 "Ezra Reads the Law to the People")
* [Revelation 1:3](/revelation/1-3 "Blessing for Hearing and Keeping the Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:15 offers a profound challenge to our contemporary engagement with God's word. In an age saturated with information, it is easy to passively consume or superficially skim sacred texts. However, the princes' earnest request, "Sit down now, and read it in our ears," calls us to a deeper, more intentional posture of listening. It reminds us that God's word is not merely information to be processed, but a living, active message intended to penetrate our hearts and minds. We are invited to cultivate an active, receptive stance, allowing the truths of Scripture to genuinely "land in our ears" and shape our understanding and actions. Just as Baruch faithfully delivered the word, we are called to be diligent in receiving it, recognizing its divine origin and transformative power, even when its message is challenging or confronts our comfort zones. The enduring nature of God's word, despite human attempts to suppress or ignore it, testifies to its timeless relevance and its ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I approach Scripture with the same earnest desire to "sit down and hear" as the princes did, rather than as a quick read or a duty?**
* **What are the "ears" of my heart, and how can I ensure they are truly open and receptive to God's voice through His written word?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to dismiss or dilute God's message, similar to King Jehoiakim's later actions, when it challenges my preconceived notions or desires?**

### FAQ
**Who was Baruch and what was his significance in the book of Jeremiah?**

Answer: Baruch (H1263, _Bârûwk_, meaning "blessed") was Jeremiah's faithful scribe, assistant, and close companion. His significance is immense as he served as the primary instrument for preserving and transmitting Jeremiah's prophecies. In [Jeremiah 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - The Burning of the Scroll"), he not only wrote down all the words God had spoken to Jeremiah but also bravely read them publicly in the Temple and later to the princes. He was a trusted confidant who shared in Jeremiah's trials and faithfully executed the prophet's instructions, ensuring that God's word reached its intended audience, even when Jeremiah himself was restricted. His steadfastness in the face of danger is a testament to his loyalty and conviction in the divine origin of the message.

**Why did the princes want Baruch to read the scroll again, directly to them?**

Answer: The princes' request for Baruch to read the scroll directly to them, as seen in [Jeremiah 36:15](/jeremiah/36-15 "Jeremiah 36:15 - Baruch Reads to the Princes"), stemmed from a mix of factors. They had heard Micaiah's report (as detailed in [Jeremiah 36:11-13](/jeremiah/36-11 "Jeremiah 36:11-13 - Micaiah Reports to the Princes")), which likely conveyed the severity and urgency of Jeremiah's prophecies. Their desire for a direct hearing was a way to verify the message's authenticity and to fully grasp its implications. In ancient cultures, hearing a text read aloud was the primary mode of receiving important information, and hearing it directly from the source (Baruch, as Jeremiah's voice) carried more weight than a secondhand account. Their solemn request to "sit down" before the reading indicates their recognition of the message's gravity and their intent to give it their full, undivided attention, before deciding how to present it to King Jehoiakim ([Jeremiah 36:16-19](/jeremiah/36-16 "Jeremiah 36:16-19 - The Princes' Reaction and Counsel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:15, with its focus on the faithful transmission and reception of God's written word through a human intermediary, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect revelation of God in Jesus Christ. While Baruch read a scroll containing God's spoken words, Jesus *is* the living Word made flesh, the full and final embodiment of divine revelation. The princes desired to hear God's word directly "in their ears" from Baruch; similarly, humanity's deepest need was for a direct, personal encounter with God, which found its fulfillment in Christ. As [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") further reveals, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." God, who "at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). The Old Testament scriptures, like the scroll Baruch read, consistently point to Christ ([Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures"); [John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - The Scriptures Testify of Jesus")). Thus, the earnest desire to hear God's word, exemplified by the princes, finds its ultimate satisfaction in encountering Jesus, who is the very voice and presence of God, speaking directly to the "ears" of our hearts, not merely through a scroll, but through His life, death, and resurrection.

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.