TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Jeremiah 36:20–32. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have traced the roll to the people, and to the princes, and here we are to follow it to the king; and we find,
I.That, upon notice given him concerning it, he sent for it, and ordered it to be read to him, Jer 36:20, Jer 36:21.
He did not desire that Baruch would come and read it himself, who could read it more intelligently and with more authority and affection than any one else; nor did he order one of his princes to do it (though it would have been no disparagement to the greatest of them), much less would he vouchsafe to read it himself; but Jehudi, one of his pages now in waiting, who was sent to fetch it, is bidden to read it, who perhaps scarcely knew how to make sense of it. But those who thus despise the word of God will soon make it to appear, as this king did, that they hate it too, and have not only low, but ill thoughts of it.
II.That he had not patience to hear it read through as the princes had, but, when he had heard three or four leaves read, in a rage he cut it with his penknife, and threw it piece by piece into the fire, that he might be sure to see it all consumed, Jer 36:22, Jer 36:23. This was a piece of as daring impiety as a man could lightly be guilty of, and a most impudent affront to the God of heaven, whose message this was.
1.Thus he showed his impatience of reproof; being resolved to persist in sin, he would by no means bear to be told of his faults.
2.Thus he showed his indignation at Baruch and Jeremiah; he would have cut them in pieces, and burnt them, if he had had them in his reach, when he was in this passion.
3.Thus he expressed an abstinent resolution never to comply with the designs and intentions of the warnings given him; he will do what he will, whatever God by his prophets says to the contrary.
4.Thus he foolishly hoped to defeat the threatenings denounced against him, as if God knew not how to execute the sentence when the roll was gone in which it was written.
5.Thus he thought he had effectually provided that the things contained in this roll should spread no further, which was the care of the chief priests concerning the gospel, Act 4:17. They had told him how this roll had been read to the people and to the princes. "But," says he, "I will take a course that shall prevent its being read any more." See what an enmity there is against God in the carnal mind, and wonder at the patience of God, that he bears with such indignities done to him.
III.That neither the king himself nor any of his princes were at all affected with the word:
They were not afraid (Jer 36:24), no, not those princes that trembled at the word when they heard it the first time, Jer 36:16. So soon, so easily, do good impressions wear off. They showed some concern till they saw how light the king made of it, and then they shook off all that concern. They rent not their garments, as Josiah, this Jehoiakim's own father, did when he had the book of the law read to him, though it was not so particular as the contents of this roll were, nor so immediately adapted to the present posture of affairs.
IV.That there were three of the princes who had so much sense and grace left as to interpose for the preventing of the burning of the roll, but in vain, Jer 36:25. If they had from the first shown themselves, as they ought to have done, affected with the word, perhaps they might have brought the king to a better mind and have persuaded him to bear it patiently; but frequently those that will not do the good they should put it out of their own power to do the good they would.
V.That Jehoiakim, when he had thus in effect burnt God's warrant by which he was arrested, as it were in a way of revenge, now that he thought he had got the better, signed a warrant for the apprehending of Jeremiah and Baruch, God's ministers (Jer 36:26): But the Lord hid them. The princes bade them abscond (Jer 36:19), but it was neither the princes' care for them nor theirs for themselves that secured them; it was under the divine protection that they were safe. Note, God will find out a shelter for his people, though their persecutors be ever so industrious to get them into their power, till their hour be come; nay, and then he will himself be their hiding place.
VI.That Jeremiah had orders and instructions to write in another roll the same words that were written in the roll which Jehoiakim had burnt, Jer 36:27, Jer 36:28. Note, Though the attempts of hell against the word of God are very daring, yet not one iota or tittle of it shall fall to the ground, nor shall the unbelief of man make the word of God of no effect. Enemies may prevail to burn many a Bible, but they cannot abolish the word of God, can neither extirpate it nor defeat the accomplishment of it. Though the tables of the law were broken, they were renewed again; and so out of the ashes of the roll that was burnt arose another Phoenix. The word of the Lord endures for ever.
VII.That the king of Judah, though a king, was severely reckoned with by the King of kings for this indignity done to the written word.
God noticed what it was in the roll that Jehoiakim took so much offense at. Jehoiakim was angry because it was written therein, saying, Surely the king of Babylon shall come and destroy this land, Jer 36:29. And did not the king of Babylon come two years before this, and go far towards the destroying of this land? He did so (Ch2 36:6, Ch2 36:7) in his third year, Dan 1:1. So that God and his prophets had therefore become his enemies because they told him the truth, told him of the desolation that was coming, but at the same time putting him into a fair way to prevent it. But, if this be the thing he takes so much amiss, let him know,
1.That the wrath of God shall come upon him and his family, in the first place, by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. He shall be cut off, and in a few weeks his son shall be dethroned, and exchange his royal robes for prison-garments, so that he shall have none to sit upon the throne of David; the glory of that illustrious house shall be eclipsed, and die in him; his dead body shall lie unburied, or, which comes all to one, he shall be buried with the burial of an ass, that is, thrown into the next ditch; it shall lie exposed to all weathers, heat and frost, which will occasion its putrefying and becoming loathsome the sooner. "Not that his body" (says Mr. Gataker) "could be sensible of such usage, or himself, being deceased, of aught that should befal his body; but that the king's body in such a condition should be a hideous spectacle, and a horrid monument of God's heavy wrath and indignation against him, unto all that should behold it." Even his seed and his servants shall fare the worse for their relation to him (Jer 36:31), for they shall be punished, not for his iniquity, but so much the sooner for their own.
2.That all the evil pronounced against Judah and Jerusalem in that roll shall be brought upon them. Though the copy be burnt, the original remains in the divine counsel, which shall again be copied out after another manner in bloody characters. Note, There is no escaping God's judgments by struggling with them. Who ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered?
VIII.That, when the roll was written anew, there were added to the former many like words (Jer 36:32), many more threatenings of wrath and vengeance; for, since they will yet walk contrary to God, he will heat the furnace seven times hotter. Note, As God is in one mind, and none can turn him, so he has still more arrows in his quiver; and those who contend with God's woes do but prepare for themselves heavier of the same kind.
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Summary
Jeremiah 36:22 precisely frames a pivotal moment in Judah's history, depicting King Jehoiakim in the comfort of his winter residence, warmed by a burning hearth. This seemingly tranquil domestic scene serves as a stark and ironic prelude to one of the most audacious acts of defiance against divine revelation recorded in the Old Testament: the king's contemptuous destruction of God's prophetic scroll. The verse's detailed description of royal ease underscores Jehoiakim's profound spiritual apathy and his deliberate, chilling rejection of the Lord's urgent message of repentance and impending judgment.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a crucial narrative pivot within the dramatic unfolding of Jeremiah 36. It immediately follows the public reading of God's scroll, dictated by Jeremiah to Baruch, which had already evoked fear and reverence among various officials (Jeremiah 36:16). The scroll, laden with warnings of imminent judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem for their persistent idolatry and disobedience, has now been brought into the king's presence. Jeremiah 36:21 describes the scroll's arrival before Jehoiakim, and verse 22 then meticulously sets the intimate, comfortable scene, directly preceding the king's infamous act of cutting and burning the scroll, detailed in Jeremiah 36:23. The profound contrast between the physical warmth and comfort of the king's surroundings and the spiritual coldness of his reception of God's word is central to the chapter's dramatic tension and theological message.
Historical & Cultural Context
The specific mention of the "ninth month" (Kislev, roughly November-December in the ancient Hebrew calendar) precisely dates the event to the cold season in ancient Judah, thus explaining the necessity of a "winterhouse" (Hebrew: beth hachoreph). Such specialized dwellings were not uncommon among the wealthy and royal elite in the ancient Near East, designed to provide warmth and comfort during the colder months. The "fire on the hearth" further emphasizes this setting of ease, luxury, and domesticity. King Jehoiakim, who reigned from 609-598 BC, was a pro-Egyptian puppet king installed by Pharaoh Neco II. His reign was characterized by wickedness, oppression, and a consistent, defiant rejection of the Lord and His prophets, standing in stark contrast to the reforming zeal and piety of his father, King Josiah. This comfortable, almost indulgent, setting for the king's act of rebellion against God's word intensifies the gravity of his spiritual apathy and deliberate rejection of divine authority.
Key Themes
Jeremiah 36:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the pervasive rejection of God's word by those in positions of power, a recurring motif throughout Jeremiah's prophetic ministry (e.g., Jeremiah 7:24). The king's physical comfort ironically underscores his profound spiritual indifference and outright hostility towards the uncomfortable truth of God's impending judgment. Secondly, the verse subtly but powerfully reveals King Jehoiakim's hardened character: arrogant, defiant, and utterly unconcerned with divine warnings, a stark contrast to his father Josiah, who responded to God's law with humility and repentance (2 Kings 22:11). Finally, the scene sets the stage for the theme of the immutability and persistence of God's word. Despite human attempts to destroy or suppress it, God's message cannot be nullified; indeed, Jehoiakim's act of burning the scroll only confirmed the very judgment it foretold, demonstrating that God's word ultimately stands, as declared in Isaiah 40:8.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from the root meaning "to rule," this term denotes a monarch, sovereign, or ruler. In this specific context, it refers to King Jehoiakim. The emphasis on his royal authority and high position makes his subsequent act of defiance all the more significant, portraying it as a direct and deliberate rejection of divine sovereignty by a human ruler who should have been God's steward.
A primitive root primarily meaning "to sit down," but also carrying implications of dwelling, remaining, or being settled. Here, it conveys Jehoiakim's posture of comfort, ease, and established authority within his private residence. This relaxed, unconcerned stance contrasts sharply with the urgent, unsettling nature of the prophetic message he is about to receive, suggesting a lack of attentive reverence or humble submission.
A primitive root meaning "to kindle" or "to consume by fire." This word describes the active state of the fire on the hearth, providing warmth and light. Its presence highlights the physical comfort of the king's environment, creating a powerful and poignant ironic juxtaposition with the literal "burning" of God's sacred word that is about to occur, revealing a king who prefers literal warmth over spiritual light and truth.
Verse Breakdown
"Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month"
This clause precisely establishes the specific time and setting for the dramatic events that follow. The "ninth month" (Kislev) indicates the cold season, necessitating the "winterhouse" (Hebrew: beth hachoreph), a specialized dwelling designed for warmth and comfort. The king's "sitting" posture suggests a state of ease, perhaps even complacency or defiance, rather than one of humble reception or anxious anticipation of a divine message. It paints a vivid picture of a ruler firmly ensconced in his worldly comforts, seemingly impervious to external threats or spiritual calls for repentance.
"and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him"
This phrase further emphasizes the luxurious and comfortable atmosphere surrounding King Jehoiakim. The "hearth" (Hebrew: ʼâch, H254), which refers to a fire-pot or chafing dish, provided direct warmth and light. The actively "burning" fire serves as a potent symbol of physical comfort, domesticity, and even a sense of security. This physical warmth stands in stark and chilling contrast to the spiritual coldness of the king's heart and his subsequent violent rejection of God's fiery word, highlighting a profound spiritual blindness.
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:22 employs several potent literary devices to amplify its message. The most prominent is Irony. The scene of the king comfortably seated in his warm winterhouse with a burning hearth creates a profound ironic contrast with his impending act of spiritual coldness—the burning of God's sacred scroll. The physical warmth of his surroundings highlights the chilling spiritual indifference and deliberate rejection of the "light" and "heat" of divine truth that characterize Jehoiakim's response. This setting also serves as powerful Foreshadowing. The explicit mention of the "fire on the hearth" subtly but ominously foreshadows the literal burning of the scroll in the very next verse (Jeremiah 36:23), transforming an element of comfort into an instrument of sacrilege and defiance. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as Symbolism. The "winterhouse" and "burning hearth" symbolize worldly comfort, self-indulgence, and a desire to escape uncomfortable realities. This stands in stark opposition to the scroll, which symbolizes divine truth, judgment, and the call to repentance. The king's preference for the transient warmth of his hearth over the eternal warmth and truth of God's word speaks volumes about his misplaced priorities and hardened heart.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Jeremiah 36:22 powerfully illustrates the enduring human tendency to prioritize immediate comfort, self-preservation, and worldly security over the challenging, often uncomfortable, demands of divine truth. King Jehoiakim's comfortable setting underscores a deeper spiritual malaise: a heart hardened against God's voice, preferring the deceptive warmth of worldly ease to the refining fire of prophetic conviction. This scene sets the stage for a tragic demonstration of human rebellion against divine revelation, where the very word of God is treated with contempt and literally consumed by fire. The theological implication is clear: rejecting God's message, even when delivered with grace and warning, leads to inevitable judgment, for God's word, though rejected, remains eternally true, potent, and ultimately unquenchable.
Reflection and Application
Jeremiah 36:22 serves as a profound mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine our own posture towards God's word. King Jehoiakim, in his comfortable surroundings, chose to ignore and destroy a message that called for repentance and offered hope. This challenges us to consider our own response to God's word, especially when it confronts our complacency, exposes our sin, or demands uncomfortable change. Do we, like Jehoiakim, prefer to remain in our spiritual "winterhouse" of comfort, rejecting truths that disrupt our ease or challenge our worldview? Or do we allow God's word, even when it feels like a consuming fire, to warm and transform our hearts, leading us to genuine repentance and humble obedience? The enduring power of God's message, even when rejected, highlights its eternal relevance and truth, urging us to listen and humbly obey, rather than seek to extinguish its light for the sake of our own fleeting comfort.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the "winterhouse" significant in this verse?
The "winterhouse" (Hebrew: beth hachoreph) is highly significant because it establishes a scene of comfort, warmth, and domesticity. This setting creates a stark and powerful ironic contrast with King Jehoiakim's subsequent act of defiance and spiritual coldness. In a place designed for ease and relaxation, the king chooses to engage in an act of profound rebellion against God's urgent and uncomfortable message. It highlights that his rejection of the divine word was not due to external duress or a lack of opportunity to reflect, but rather a deliberate choice made from a position of security and self-indulgence, emphasizing his hardened heart.
Who was King Jehoiakim, and what was his character like?
King Jehoiakim was the king of Judah from 609-598 BC, installed by Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt. He was widely known for his wickedness, oppressive rule, and consistent defiance against the Lord and His prophet Jeremiah. Unlike his father, King Josiah, who responded to God's law with humility and repentance (2 Kings 22:11), Jehoiakim was characterized by arrogance, injustice, and a hardened heart that refused to heed divine warnings. His reign was marked by a refusal to listen to God's prophets, ultimately contributing to Judah's downfall and the Babylonian exile, as prophesied by Jeremiah. His act of burning the scroll in Jeremiah 36:23 is a prime example of his contempt for God's word.
What happened immediately after this scene in Jeremiah 36?
Immediately after this scene, as vividly described in Jeremiah 36:23, King Jehoiakim took the scroll, cut it with a scribe's knife, and threw it into the fire on the hearth, piece by piece, until the entire scroll was consumed. This act was a blatant and contemptuous rejection of God's word and His authority. However, God's word could not be nullified. The Lord commanded Jeremiah to dictate the message again to Baruch, adding even more severe judgments specifically against Jehoiakim and Judah (Jeremiah 36:27-31), powerfully demonstrating that human defiance cannot extinguish divine truth.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Jeremiah 36:22, with its depiction of a king rejecting God's written word from a place of comfort and self-indulgence, finds its ultimate and tragic fulfillment in the world's rejection of Jesus Christ, the living Word of God. Just as Jehoiakim preferred the transient warmth of his physical hearth to the uncomfortable truth of the scroll, humanity often prefers the false comfort of sin and self-sufficiency to the convicting and transforming light of Christ. Jesus, the Word made flesh, came to His own, but His own did not receive Him, preferring the darkness of their deeds because their deeds were evil (John 3:19). The very people He came to save, like the inhabitants of Jerusalem He lamented over, refused to be gathered, rejecting the ultimate divine revelation. Yet, just as God's written word could not be extinguished by Jehoiakim's fire, so the living Word, Christ, could not be defeated by the cross or the tomb. He is the true and enduring Word, whose message, though rejected by many, brings life and light to all who believe. His presence is the true "fire" that purifies and refines, far surpassing any physical warmth, calling us to embrace His truth rather than burn it away in our pursuit of fleeting comfort (Luke 12:49). The power of God's word, whether written or incarnate, remains living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).