Jeremiah 36:20

Context of Jeremiah 36:20

Jeremiah 36:20 is a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of God's word delivered to King Jehoiakim of Judah through the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe, Baruch. Previously, the Lord had commanded Jeremiah to write all the words He had spoken concerning Israel, Judah, and all nations. Baruch, Jeremiah's faithful scribe, transcribed these prophecies onto a scroll (Jeremiah 36:4). This scroll was then publicly read by Baruch in the Lord's house, a significant public declaration of God's impending judgment (Jeremiah 36:10). The verse itself describes the officials who heard the scroll's contents bringing the report to King Jehoiakim, but prudently safeguarding the physical scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe before entering the king's presence.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Transmission of God's Word: This verse highlights the careful process by which divine prophecy was conveyed. From Jeremiah's dictation to Baruch's transcription, and then to the officials who heard it and brought the message to the king, the emphasis is on the journey of God's truth to its intended recipient.
• Prudence Amidst Peril: The act of "laying up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe" demonstrates the officials' wisdom and foresight. They understood the gravity of the message and the potential for an adverse reaction from King Jehoiakim, who was known for his defiant and ungodly character. This strategic placement suggests an attempt to preserve the document, recognizing its importance even if the king rejected its message.
• Accountability to Divine Revelation: The officials' decision to "tell all the words in the ears of the king" underscores the inescapable nature of God's warnings. No matter how unpopular the message, it must be delivered, and those in authority are held accountable for their response to it.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "laid up" (Hebrew: וַיַּפְקִדֻהָ - vayyapqiduhā) implies depositing or entrusting something for safekeeping. This was not merely leaving the scroll; it was a deliberate act of placing it in a secure location, likely a designated archive or storage area within the scribe's office, where important documents were kept. The "chamber of Elishama the scribe" itself signifies a place of official record-keeping and administrative importance, adding a layer of authenticity and solemnity to the scroll's temporary resting place.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 36:20 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

• Respect for God's Word: The officials' care for the physical scroll, even before the king's reaction, teaches us to treat God's word with reverence and respect. It is not merely a book, but the living and active voice of God (Hebrews 4:12).
• Courage in Conveying Truth: The officials, despite potential danger, faithfully presented God's message to the king. This encourages us to be courageous in sharing biblical truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging for others to hear.
• Consequences of Rejection: This verse sets the stage for King Jehoiakim's infamous act of burning the scroll, a dramatic rejection of God's warning (Jeremiah 36:23). It serves as a stark reminder that ignoring or actively opposing God's word leads to severe consequences, while God's purposes will ultimately prevail (Isaiah 55:11).