36:16 36:16

Jeremiah 36:17

36:18 36:18

Bible Versions

And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?
And they asked {H7592} Baruch {H1263}, saying {H559}, Tell {H5046} us now, How didst thou write {H3789} all these words {H1697} at his mouth {H6310}?
Then they asked Barukh, "Tell us now, how did you write all these words? At his dictation?"
“Tell us now,” they asked Baruch, “how did you write all these words? Was it at Jeremiah’s dictation?”
And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?

Jeremiah 36:17 captures a pivotal moment in the transmission of God's prophetic word to the people of Judah, specifically through the prophet Jeremiah and his faithful scribe, Baruch.

Context

This verse is set during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, around 605-604 BC. God had commanded Jeremiah to write down all the prophecies He had spoken against Israel, Judah, and all nations since the days of Josiah (Jeremiah 36:2). Since Jeremiah was restricted from entering the house of the Lord, he called upon Baruch, the son of Neriah, to be his scribe. Jeremiah dictated the words, and Baruch carefully recorded them on a scroll (Jeremiah 36:4). This scroll was later read by Baruch in the temple during a fast, and subsequently to the princes (officials) of Judah in the scribe’s chamber. The princes, upon hearing the powerful and convicting message, were filled with fear and curiosity. Their direct question in verse 17, "Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?", reflects their desire to understand the exact process of how such weighty words came to be written, acknowledging the profound impact of the prophetic message.

Key Themes

  • Divine Inspiration and Authority: The princes' question, "How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?", highlights the direct, dictated nature of the prophecies. It emphasizes that the words were not Baruch's or even Jeremiah's own invention, but originated directly from God through Jeremiah's spoken word. This underscores the divine inspiration and ultimate authority of Scripture.
  • The Role of the Scribe: Baruch's role as a faithful and diligent scribe is central. He was not merely a copyist but a meticulous recorder of God's living word, acting as a crucial link in the transmission of divine revelation. His careful transcription ensured the accuracy and preservation of the prophetic message for future generations.
  • Authenticity and Verification: The princes' inquiry demonstrates their concern for the authenticity of the message. They wanted to ascertain that the words truly came from Jeremiah, and by extension, from the Lord, before taking action or presenting them to the king. This quest for verification highlights the seriousness with which they initially regarded the prophetic warning.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "at his mouth" in the KJV translates the Hebrew מִפִּיו (mippîw), which literally means "from his mouth." This emphasizes the direct dictation from Jeremiah to Baruch, leaving no room for Baruch's own interpretation or alteration of the message. It signifies a verbatim transcription, reinforcing the divine origin and authority of the words as God's pure message delivered through His prophet.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 36:17 reminds us of the meticulous care taken in ancient times to preserve and transmit God's word. For us today, it reinforces the reliability and authority of the Bible. The questions asked by the princes encourage us to consider how we receive and respond to God's truth. Do we treat His word with the seriousness and reverence it deserves? The passage also highlights the importance of those who faithfully record, teach, and disseminate God's message, ensuring its availability for future generations. Just as Baruch faithfully penned the words dictated by Jeremiah, we are called to live by and uphold the truths of Scripture, recognizing its divine origin and transformative power.

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.

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