Jeremiah 36:20

KJV

¶ And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they went in {H935} to the king {H4428} into the court {H2691}, but they laid up {H6485} the roll {H4039} in the chamber {H3957} of Elishama {H476} the scribe {H5608}, and told {H5046} all the words {H1697} in the ears {H241} of the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After depositing the scroll in the room of Elishama the secretary, they went in to the courtyard and told everything to the king.

Berean Standard Bible

So the officials went to the king in the courtyard. And having stored the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, they reported everything to the king.

American Standard Version

And they went in to the king into the court; but they had laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe; and they told all the words in the ears of the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:20 describes a pivotal moment in the transmission of God's prophetic word to King Jehoiakim of Judah. Having heard the scroll's contents read by Baruch, the officials of the king's court prudently stored the sacred document in the chamber of Elishama the scribe before entering the king's presence. This act of safeguarding the scroll, followed by their verbal report of its dire message, highlights both the officials' cautious wisdom and the inescapable nature of divine revelation, setting the stage for the king's infamous and defiant rejection of God's warning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 36:20 is nestled within a dramatic narrative detailing God's command to Jeremiah to record all the prophecies given against Israel, Judah, and other nations, spanning from the reign of Josiah up to that point. This divine directive, found in [Jeremiah 36:2](/jeremiah/36-2 "Jeremiah 36:2 - God Commands Jeremiah to Write a Scroll"), was a final, desperate plea for repentance before impending judgment. Baruch, Jeremiah's faithful scribe, meticulously transcribed these words onto a scroll ([Jeremiah 36:4](/jeremiah/36-4 "Jeremiah 36:4 - Baruch Writes Jeremiah's Words")). The scroll was then publicly read by Baruch in the temple, specifically in the chamber of Gemariah, a prominent official, during a fast day ([Jeremiah 36:10](/jeremiah/36-10 "Jeremiah 36:10 - Baruch Reads the Scroll in the Temple")). Micaiah, Gemariah’s son, heard the reading and reported it to the other officials, who then summoned Baruch to read it again privately ([Jeremiah 36:11-15](/jeremiah/36-11 "Jeremiah 36:11-15 - Officials Hear and Fear")). Deeply disturbed by the scroll's content, these officials decided to inform the king, leading directly to the events of [Jeremiah 36:20](/jeremiah/36-20 "Jeremiah 36:20 - The Scroll is Secured, the King Informed"). The act of laying up the scroll before reporting to the king is a crucial precursor to King Jehoiakim's subsequent defiant act of burning the scroll, detailed in [Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll"), which ultimately sealed his fate and that of Judah.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 36 unfold during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period marked by significant geopolitical upheaval. Judah was caught between the waning power of Egypt and the rising dominance of Babylon. Jehoiakim, unlike his righteous father Josiah, was a wicked and rebellious king, known for his oppression, injustice, and defiance against God's prophets ([Jeremiah 22:13-19](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13-19 - Prophecy Against Jehoiakim")). He was a vassal of Egypt, then later forced to submit to Babylon, only to rebel again. The scroll's message of impending Babylonian invasion and exile was therefore politically charged and deeply unpopular. Scribes like Elishama played a vital role in ancient Near Eastern courts, serving as record-keepers, administrators, and sometimes royal advisors. Their "chambers" or offices were official spaces, often used for storing important documents, archives, and state papers, signifying a place of official record and security. The officials' decision to place the scroll there reflects an understanding of its weighty importance, perhaps even a hope for its preservation despite the king's anticipated negative reaction.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **authority and persistence of God's word**. Despite the king's eventual rejection, the divine message *must* be delivered, demonstrating that God's truth will find its way to its intended audience, even if through intermediaries. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **human resistance to divine truth**. The officials' caution implicitly acknowledges Jehoiakim's known character and his likely hostile response to a message of judgment, setting the stage for his outright defiance. Thirdly, the careful handling of the scroll by the officials points to the **reverence due to divine revelation**, contrasting sharply with the king's contempt. Finally, the narrative emphasizes **divine judgment and accountability**. The king is given a clear warning, and his response (or lack thereof) will determine his fate and that of his kingdom, illustrating the principle that those in authority are held accountable for their response to God's commands and warnings, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **roll (Hebrew, _mᵉgillâh'_):** H4039, derived from a root meaning "to roll," refers specifically to a scroll or volume. In this context, it is not merely a piece of writing but the physical embodiment of God's spoken word, transcribed by Baruch. Its designation as a "roll" emphasizes its ancient form as a continuous sheet of papyrus or parchment, rolled up for storage, which makes its eventual destruction by King Jehoiakim a particularly violent act of defiance against the divine message it contained.
* **laid up (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** H6485, a primitive root, carries a rich semantic range including "to visit," "to oversee," "to muster," "to charge," "to care for," "to miss," and crucially here, "to deposit" or "entrust." The use of this verb signifies more than simply leaving the scroll; it implies a deliberate act of entrusting it for safekeeping, a responsible act of preservation by the officials who recognized its immense importance. It suggests a conscious decision to protect the document from immediate harm, perhaps anticipating the king's volatile reaction.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** H1697, a broad and foundational Hebrew term, meaning "a word," "a matter," or "a thing." Here, it refers to "all the words" spoken by God through Jeremiah, encompassing the entirety of the prophetic message of judgment and call to repentance. This term emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine revelation that the officials conveyed to the king, highlighting that no part of God's message was withheld, even if the physical scroll was temporarily secured. The "words" are the essence, the content, the very message of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And they went in to the king into the court,"**: This clause describes the officials' physical movement and destination. Having heard the scroll's contents and discussed its implications, they proceed to King Jehoiakim's royal court. The "court" (H2691, _châtsêr_) signifies the official, public space of the palace where the king held audience and conducted affairs, a place of power and formal communication. Their entrance marks the official presentation of the report to the highest authority in the land.
* **"but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe,"**: This is a crucial parenthetical action. Before directly addressing the king, the officials make a deliberate detour to secure the scroll. "Laid up" (H6485, _pâqad_) implies entrusting it for safekeeping, not merely abandoning it. The "chamber" (H3957, _lishkâh_) of Elishama the scribe (H476, _ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ_) indicates an official, secure room, likely an archive or office where important state documents were kept. This act demonstrates the officials' prudence, foresight, and perhaps a subtle attempt to preserve the physical document from the king's anticipated wrath, recognizing its value even if its message was unwelcome.
* **"and told all the words in the ears of the king."**: Despite securing the physical scroll, the officials faithfully convey its entire message. "Told" (H5046, _nâgad_) means to announce or manifest, often by word of mouth. "All the words" (H1697, _dâbâr_) emphasizes the completeness of the report; they did not censor or dilute the divine message. "In the ears of the king" (H241, _ʼôzen_) is a common idiom meaning to speak directly to him, ensuring he heard and understood the gravity of the prophecy. This highlights their courage and obedience in fulfilling their duty to deliver God's warning, even knowing the king's likely negative reaction.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:20 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and underscore the narrative's tension. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the officials' act of "laying up the roll" subtly hints at the scroll's precarious future and King Jehoiakim's impending destructive act. This careful preservation contrasts sharply with the king's later contemptuous burning of the scroll, setting up a dramatic **Irony** where an attempt at safeguarding ultimately precedes its destruction. The phrase "in the ears of the king" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "ears" stand in for the king's full attention and comprehension, emphasizing that the message was delivered directly and unequivocally to him. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as a **Microcosm** of the broader conflict in Jeremiah: the persistence of God's word against human rebellion, the courage of those who deliver it, and the inevitable consequences of rejecting divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:20 serves as a powerful illustration of the unyielding nature of God's revelation and the human responsibility to respond to it. Even when the message is unwelcome or challenging, God ensures His word reaches His intended audience, holding them accountable for their reception. The officials' actions demonstrate a profound respect for the divine message, understanding its inherent authority even before the king's reaction. Their prudence in securing the scroll, while still faithfully delivering its content, highlights the tension between preserving the physical form of revelation and ensuring its spiritual impact. Ultimately, this passage underscores that God's purposes will prevail, whether through human obedience or in spite of human defiance, and that His word, once spoken, cannot be undone or rendered void, even if physically destroyed.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18-19](/deuteronomy/18-18 "The Prophet Like Moses")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Will Not Return Void")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "The Word of God is Living and Active")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:20 offers profound lessons for believers today concerning our posture toward God's Word. The officials' careful handling of the scroll, even before King Jehoiakim's reaction, challenges us to cultivate a deep reverence for the Scriptures, recognizing them not merely as ancient texts but as the living and active voice of God Himself. Their courage in conveying the full message to the king, despite the clear danger, calls us to faithfulness in sharing biblical truth, even when it is unpopular, counter-cultural, or personally challenging to deliver. This passage reminds us that God's warnings are given out of love, providing an opportunity for repentance, and that ignoring or actively opposing His word carries severe consequences. Just as Jehoiakim sealed his fate, our response to God's revealed truth profoundly shapes our destiny and our walk with Him. We are invited to be diligent hearers and doers of the Word, allowing it to transform us rather than resisting its convicting power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life demonstrate reverence for God's Word? Am I treating it as a sacred trust, or merely as another book?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to resisting or ignoring God's truth, similar to King Jehoiakim?**
* **What steps can I take to courageously share God's message with others, even when it might be met with skepticism or opposition?**

### FAQ

**Why did the officials lay up the scroll instead of bringing it directly to the king?**

Answer: The officials' decision to "lay up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe" before entering the king's presence was a strategic act of prudence and foresight. King Jehoiakim was known for his defiance and hostility towards God's prophets and their messages of judgment. The officials, having already heard the scroll's dire prophecies and being "afraid" ([Jeremiah 36:16](/jeremiah/36-16 "Jeremiah 36:16 - Officials Are Afraid")), likely anticipated a violent reaction from the king, possibly including the destruction of the scroll itself. By securing it in the official chamber of the scribe, a place for important documents, they aimed to preserve the physical document, recognizing its profound importance as God's word, even if the king rejected its message. This act shows their wisdom and perhaps a hope that the scroll might be preserved for future reference or for a more receptive audience.

**Who was Elishama the scribe?**

Answer: Elishama the scribe was a prominent official in King Jehoiakim's court. His "chamber" or office was a recognized and secure place for official documents and records, indicating his significant administrative role. While the Bible does not provide extensive personal details about Elishama, his position as "the scribe" (H5608, _çâphar_) suggests he was a high-ranking secretary or royal administrator responsible for official correspondence and archiving. The fact that the officials chose his chamber specifically to safeguard the scroll underscores his trustworthiness and the security of his office. His presence in the narrative highlights the official, bureaucratic context in which God's prophetic word was received and recorded in ancient Judah.

**What happened to the scroll after this verse?**

Answer: Following the events of [Jeremiah 36:20](/jeremiah/36-20 "Jeremiah 36:20 - The Scroll is Secured, the King Informed"), the officials reported the scroll's contents to King Jehoiakim. The king, in a shocking act of defiance and contempt for God's word, had the scroll brought to him and, as portions were read, he cut them with a scribe's knife and threw them into a firepot until the entire scroll was consumed ([Jeremiah 36:21-23](/jeremiah/36-21 "Jeremiah 36:21-23 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")). This act of burning the scroll was a dramatic rejection of God's warning and a clear demonstration of Jehoiakim's hardened heart. However, God's word could not be thwarted. The Lord commanded Jeremiah to take another scroll and dictate all the previous words, adding even more severe judgments against King Jehoiakim and his descendants ([Jeremiah 36:27-31](/jeremiah/36-27 "Jeremiah 36:27-31 - Jeremiah Rewrites the Scroll")). This ultimately demonstrated that while man can destroy the physical form of God's word, its truth and power remain, and its purposes will inevitably be fulfilled ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Will Not Return Void")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:20, with its depiction of God's word delivered to a resistant king, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the scroll contained the very "words" (H1697, _dâbâr_) of God, Jesus is the ultimate "Word" (Greek, _Logos_) made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the full and final revelation of God, embodying all the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Like the officials who faithfully conveyed the unpopular message to Jehoiakim, Jesus boldly proclaimed the truth of God's kingdom, calling people to repentance and faith, even knowing it would lead to His rejection by many, including the religious and political leaders of His day ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). The resistance shown by King Jehoiakim to Jeremiah's scroll foreshadows the world's rejection of Christ's message and His person, culminating in His crucifixion ([Luke 23:13-25](/luke/23-13 "Luke 23:13-25 - Jesus Before Pilate")). Yet, just as God's word in Jeremiah could not be ultimately destroyed but was rewritten with even greater force, Christ's death was not the end. His resurrection powerfully affirmed the truth of His message and His divine authority, ensuring that God's ultimate plan of salvation would not be thwarted ([Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3-4 - Jesus, Son of God")). Through Christ, the persistent word of God, once written on scrolls, is now inscribed on the hearts of believers by the Spirit, establishing a new covenant that cannot be burned or rejected ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant"); [2 Corinthians 3:3](/2_corinthians/3-3 "2 Corinthians 3:3 - Letters on Hearts")).

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.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 36:12

Then he went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber: and, lo, all the princes sat there, [even] Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes.

Jeremiah 36:21

So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe's chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king.