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Commentary on Jeremiah 36 verses 9–19
It should seem that Baruch had been frequently reading out of the book, to all companies that would give him the hearing, before the most solemn reading of it altogether which is here spoken of; for the directions were given about it in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, whereas this was done in the fifth year, Jer 36:9. But some think that the writing of the book fairly over took up so much time that it was another year ere it was perfected; and yet perhaps it might not be past a month or two; he might begin in the latter end of the fourth year and finish it in the beginning of the fifth, for thee ninth month refers to the computation of the year in general, not to the year of that reign. Now observe here, 1. The government appointed a public fast to be religiously observed (Jer 36:9), on account either of the distress they were brought into by the army of the Chaldeans or of the want of rain (Jer 14:1): They proclaimed a fast to the people; whether the king and princes or the priests, ordered this fast, is not certain; but it was plain that God by his providence called them aloud to it. Note, Great shows of piety and devotion may be found even among those who, though they keep up these forms of godliness, are strangers and enemies to the power of it. But what will such hypocritical services avail? Fasting, without reforming and turning away from sin, will never turn away the judgments of God, Jon 3:10. Notwithstanding this fast, God proceeded in his controversy with this people. 2. Baruch repeated Jeremiah's sermons publicly in the house of the Lord, on the fast-day. He stood in a chamber that belonged to Gemariah, and out of a window, or balcony, read to the people that were in the court, Jer 36:10. Note, When we are speaking to God we must be willing to hear from him; and therefore, on days of fasting and prayer, it is requisite that the word be read and preached. Hearken unto me, that God may hearken unto you. Jdg 9:7. For our help in suing out mercy and grace, it is proper that we should be told of sin and duty. 3. An account was brought of this to the princes that attended the court and were now together in the secretary's office, here called the scribe's chamber, Jer 36:12. It should seem, though the princes had called the people to meet in the house of God, to fact, and pray, and hear the word, they did not think fit to attend there themselves, which was a sign that it was not from a principle of true devotion, but merely for fashion sake, that they proclaimed this fast. We are willing to hope that it was not with a bad design, to bring Jeremiah into trouble for his preaching, but with a good design, to bring the princes into trouble for their sins, that Michaiah informed the princes of what Baruch had read; for his father Gemariah so far countenanced Baruch as to lend him his chamber to read out of. Michaiah finds the princes sitting in the scribe's chamber, and tells them they had better have been where he had been, hearing a good sermon in the temple, which he gives them the heads of. Note, When we have heard some good word that has affected and edified us we should be ready to communicate it to others that did not hear it, for their edification. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 4. Baruch is sent for, and is ordered to sit down among them and read it all over again to them (Jer 36:14, Jer 36:15), which he readily did, not complaining that he was weary with his public work and therefore desiring to be excused, nor upbraiding the princes with their being absent from the temple, where they might have heard it when he read it there. Note, God's ministers must become all things to all men, if by any means they may gain some, must comply with them in circumstances, that they may secure the substance. St. Paul preached privately to those of reputation, Gal 2:2. 5. The princes were for the present much affected with the word that was read to them, Jer 36:16. Observe, They heard all the words they did not interrupt him, but very patiently attended to the reading of the whole book; for otherwise how could they form a competent judgment of it? And, when they had heard all, they were afraid, were all afraid, one as well as another; like Felix, who trembled at Paul's reasonings. The reproofs were just, the threatenings terrible, and the predictions now in a fair way to be fulfilled; so that, laying all together, they were in a great consternation. We are not told what impressions this reading of the roll made upon the people (Jer 36:10), but the princes were put into a fright by it, and (as some read it) looked one upon another, not knowing what to say. They were all convinced that it was worthy to be regarded, but none of them had courage to second it, only they agreed to tell the king of all these words; and, if he think fit to give credit to them, they will, otherwise not, no, though it were to prevent the ruin of the nation. And yet at the same time they knew the king's mind so far that they advised Baruch and Jeremiah to hide themselves (Jer 36:19) and to shift as they could for their own safety, expecting no other than that the king, instead of being convinced, would be exasperated. Note, It is common for sinners, under convictions, to endeavour to shake them off, by shifting off the prosecution of them to other persons, as these princes here, or to another more convenient season, as Felix. 6. They asked Baruch a trifling question, How he wrote all these words (v. 17), as if they suspected there was something extraordinary in it; but Baruch gives them a plain answer, that there was nothing but what was common in the manner of the writing - Jeremiah dictated and he wrote, Jer 36:18. But thus it is common for those who would avoid the convictions of the word of God to start needless questions about the way and manner of the inspiration of it.
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SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:18 presents Baruch's unequivocal testimony to the Judean princes, confirming the divine origin and meticulous transcription of Jeremiah's prophetic scroll. In direct response to their inquiry, Baruch clarifies that every word contained within the scroll was personally dictated by the prophet Jeremiah, who spoke them directly from his mouth, and that Baruch himself faithfully recorded them with ink onto the scroll. This verse is crucial for establishing the authenticity and authority of the prophetic message, emphasizing the prophet's role as God's direct mouthpiece and the scribe's diligent preservation of divine revelation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Jeremiah 36:18 is strategically placed within a pivotal chapter that chronicles the initial written compilation of Jeremiah's extensive prophecies. The narrative commences with a divine command to Jeremiah to record all the words God had spoken to him concerning Israel, Judah, and all nations, spanning from the reign of Josiah up to that very day (Jeremiah 36:2). Due to Jeremiah's restricted movement, possibly due to imprisonment or a ban from the Temple, he enlisted his loyal scribe, Baruch son of Neriah, to meticulously transcribe the prophecies as Jeremiah dictated them. Baruch subsequently read this scroll publicly in the Temple during a fast, and later, to the assembly of princes in the scribe's chamber. Deeply troubled by the scroll's ominous pronouncements, the princes summoned Baruch to inquire about its creation. Verse 18 serves as Baruch's direct and authoritative answer to their query, confirming the oral dictation by Jeremiah and his own role as the precise recorder, thereby solidifying the scroll's prophetic authenticity just before its fateful encounter with King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:23).
Historical & Cultural Context: The events of Jeremiah 36 unfold during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period characterized by profound political instability and the escalating dominance of the Babylonian Empire following the decline of Assyrian power. Judah found itself precariously positioned between the formidable empires of Egypt and Babylon. Jehoiakim, in stark contrast to his righteous father Josiah, was an impious and oppressive ruler, whose actions led to a severe spiritual decline that Jeremiah vehemently denounced. In this era, prophets functioned as God's direct spokespersons, delivering divine messages—often unpopular and challenging—to kings and the populace. Scribes like Baruch were indispensable figures, highly skilled in literacy and record-keeping, responsible for drafting official documents, legal contracts, and sacred texts. The "book" referenced in the verse refers to a scroll, typically fashioned from papyrus or specially treated animal skins, which was the standard format for written documents, including prophetic oracles, throughout the ancient Near East. The public reading of such a scroll was a customary and authoritative method for disseminating crucial messages, particularly those bearing legal or prophetic weight.
Key Themes: This verse makes a profound contribution to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the divine inspiration and authority of God's word. Baruch's testimony unequivocally clarifies that the words were not his own invention or even Jeremiah's personal musings, but rather direct utterances from the prophet, who served as God's chosen mouthpiece. This emphasizes that the message originated with the Almighty, not with human will or intellect. Secondly, it highlights the crucial role of faithful scribes in the preservation and transmission of divine revelation. Baruch exemplifies diligence, integrity, and fidelity, ensuring that God's message was accurately captured "with ink in the book," even when it contained unpopular and challenging truths. This meticulous recording was essential for the preservation of God's truth, a theme that becomes even more poignant when King Jehoiakim later attempts to destroy the scroll (Jeremiah 36:23). Despite this act of defiance, God's word ultimately prevailed and was re-written (Jeremiah 36:32). Finally, Baruch's statement serves as an attestation to the authenticity of prophecy, confirming that the scroll contained Jeremiah's genuine prophetic utterances, not a fabrication, thereby lending irrefutable credibility to its dire warnings and calls for repentance. The entire narrative of Jeremiah 36 culminates in this verse, reinforcing the enduring power and unyielding nature of God's revealed word, even in the face of human resistance.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to underscore its message and enhance its impact. Verbal Testimony is central, as Baruch's direct, first-person statement serves as an authoritative witness to the scroll's origin. This firsthand account lends significant credibility and weight to the prophetic message. There is also a clear use of Emphasis through specificity and directness: the phrases "all these words" and "with his mouth" underscore the comprehensive and direct nature of Jeremiah's dictation. The phrase "with his mouth" can also be interpreted as a form of Metonymy, where "mouth" stands in for the act of speaking or uttering. This device vividly portrays the oral transmission of the prophecy from Jeremiah to Baruch, reinforcing the divine source of the words and the directness of their delivery.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:18 offers profound insights into the nature of divine revelation and the inherent authority of scripture. It unequivocally establishes that the prophetic message originated not from human ingenuity or personal opinion, but directly from God, spoken through His chosen prophet, Jeremiah. Baruch's faithful transcription underscores the meticulous care taken in the preservation of God's word, ensuring its accurate transmission across generations. This process mirrors the broader biblical understanding that scripture is "God-breathed" and delivered through human instruments, yet retains its divine authority and truthfulness. The verse is a powerful reminder that the Bible we hold today is not merely a collection of ancient writings but the very words of God, preserved through careful human stewardship and intended to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:18 invites us to reflect deeply on the immense privilege and profound responsibility of possessing God's written word. Baruch's diligent and faithful act of recording every word reminds us of the divine origin and unwavering reliability of the scriptures. In a world saturated with fleeting information, subjective opinions, and shifting truths, this verse calls us back to the enduring, authoritative truth of God's revelation. It encourages us to approach the Bible with reverence, recognizing that its words are not merely human constructs but divinely inspired messages intended to guide, correct, rebuke, and nourish our souls. Furthermore, Baruch's role as a faithful scribe serves as a powerful model for all who are called to communicate God's truth today, whether through teaching, preaching, writing, or simply sharing the Gospel. Our mission, like Baruch's, is to accurately convey the message, not to invent, distort, or dilute it, ensuring that the pure, unadulterated word of God reaches hungry hearts. This verse challenges each of us to consider our own faithfulness in receiving, preserving, and sharing the precious words that God has graciously entrusted to us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Baruch and what was his significance in the book of Jeremiah?
Answer: Baruch son of Neriah was Jeremiah's faithful scribe, assistant, and loyal companion, playing a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of Jeremiah's prophecies. His significance is multifaceted: he meticulously recorded Jeremiah's oracles as dictated, often at great personal risk, ensuring that God's message was captured in written form. He also served as Jeremiah's public representative, reading the scroll to the people and the princes when Jeremiah was unable to do so personally. Baruch's unwavering loyalty, diligence, and courage were essential for the transmission and continuity of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry during a period of intense opposition. God even gave Baruch a personal promise of protection amidst the coming judgment (Jeremiah 45:5), acknowledging his faithful service. His role highlights the indispensable importance of those who serve behind the scenes to preserve and communicate divine truth.
Why was it important that Jeremiah "pronounced" the words and Baruch "wrote" them, rather than Baruch simply composing them himself?
Answer: This distinction is critically important for establishing the divine origin and ultimate authority of the message. Jeremiah "pronounced" the words because he was God's chosen prophet, acting as a direct mouthpiece for divine revelation. This emphasizes that the content of the scroll came directly from God through Jeremiah, not from Jeremiah's own thoughts, opinions, or human wisdom. Baruch "wrote" them, signifying his role as a faithful and accurate transcriber. His task was to meticulously record precisely what was spoken, ensuring that the divine message was preserved without alteration, personal interpretation, or embellishment. This precise process underscores the integrity of the prophetic word, demonstrating that it was neither a human fabrication nor a scribe's invention, but truly "the word of the Lord" delivered through His prophet and faithfully documented for posterity. It validates the scroll's authenticity and its claim to divine authority, a claim that King Jehoiakim defiantly rejected when he burned the scroll (Jeremiah 36:23).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:18, with its profound emphasis on the divine origin and faithful transmission of God's word through a prophet and a scribe, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect revelation of God in Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah was God's mouthpiece, speaking "all these words... with his mouth," Jesus is the very Word (Logos) incarnate, through whom God has spoken most fully, completely, and finally. The Old Testament prophets, including Jeremiah, delivered fragmented messages and partial revelations, but in Christ, all of God's revelation finds its perfect embodiment and consummate fulfillment (Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus did not merely pronounce words; He is the Word, the living embodiment of God's truth, grace, and salvation. His teachings were not merely human wisdom but "words of eternal life" (John 6:68), spoken with unparalleled divine authority. Furthermore, just as Baruch meticulously recorded Jeremiah's words, the apostles and evangelists faithfully bore witness to Christ's life, teachings, miraculous deeds, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, ensuring that the good news was accurately preserved for all generations. The meticulous care in recording Jeremiah's prophecy points to the even greater divine intention and human faithfulness in preserving the Gospel accounts, which testify to the One who came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them in every detail (Matthew 5:17). Thus, Jeremiah 36:18, in its portrayal of God's word coming forth and being preserved, ultimately points to Christ as the living, eternal, and perfectly revealed Word of God, the ultimate and final message from the Father to humanity.