TRV
Translation
King James Version
Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.
Complete Jewish Bible
Elnatan, D'layahu and G'maryahu had begged the king not to burn the scroll; but he wouldn't listen to them.
Berean Standard Bible
Even though Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them.
American Standard Version
Moreover Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll; but he would not hear them.
World English Bible Messianic
Moreover Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the scroll; but he would not hear them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Neuerthelesse, Elnathan, and Delaiah, and Gemariah had besought the King, that he would not burne ye roule: but he would not heare them.
Young's Literal Translation
And also Elnathan, and Delaiah, and Gemariah have interceded with the king not to burn the roll, and he hath not hearkened unto them.
In the KJVVerse 19,868 of 31,102
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Commentary on Jeremiah 36 verses 20–32
20 ¶ 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.
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.
22 Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him.
23 And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.
24 Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words.
25 Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.
26 But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.
27 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, after that the king had burned the roll, and the words which Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying,
28 Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.
29 And thou shalt say to Jehoiakim king of Judah, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast burned this roll, saying, Why hast thou written therein, saying, The king of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land, and shall cause to cease from thence man and beast?
30 Therefore thus saith the LORD of Jehoiakim king of Judah; He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David: and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.
31 And I will punish him and his seed and his servants for their iniquity; and I will bring upon them, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them; but they hearkened not.
32 Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah; who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides unto them many like words.
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–32. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:25 captures a poignant moment of moral courage amidst King Jehoiakim's defiant destruction of God's prophetic scroll. Despite the king's hardened heart and contempt for divine revelation, three prominent officials—Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah—bravely interceded, pleading with him to cease burning the sacred text. Their courageous, though ultimately futile, attempt to preserve the word of God starkly highlights the king's profound spiritual blindness and stubborn rebellion, underscoring the severe consequences awaiting a kingdom that rejects divine truth.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic narrative of Jeremiah chapter 36, which chronicles King Jehoiakim's audacious and sacrilegious rejection of God's revealed word. The preceding verses detail the divine command to Jeremiah to record all his prophecies concerning Judah's impending judgment onto a scroll, which was then publicly read by his scribe Baruch (Jeremiah 36:1-8). After being read to the officials, the scroll was brought before the king. In a shocking display of contempt, Jehoiakim systematically cut the scroll with a scribe's knife and burned it piece by piece in a brazier, despite the warnings it contained (Jeremiah 36:20-23). Verse 25 immediately follows this act of destruction, introducing the isolated voices of reason and courage who dared to challenge the king's brazen defiance. The narrative then swiftly moves to God's response: the re-dictation of the scroll with even more severe judgments against Jehoiakim and his house (Jeremiah 36:32).
Historical & Cultural Context: The events of Jeremiah 36 unfolded around 605-604 BC, a tumultuous period during the reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC). Judah was caught between the waning power of Egypt and the rising dominance of Babylon, with Jehoiakim serving as a puppet king installed by Pharaoh Neco (2 Kings 23:34). Unlike his father, the righteous King Josiah, Jehoiakim was characterized by political instability, economic oppression, and profound spiritual apostasy, openly defying God's law and prophetic warnings. In the ancient Near East, royal courts were often environments where challenging the king, especially on matters of divine pronouncements, could lead to severe repercussions, including death. The act of burning a scroll containing divine words was not merely an act of defiance against a prophet; it was a direct affront to the deity whose words were inscribed, a profound act of sacrilege and a public rejection of divine authority, signaling a dangerous spiritual blindness.
Key Themes: Jeremiah 36:25 profoundly contributes to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. It vividly illustrates the theme of Rejection of God's Word, as King Jehoiakim's stubborn refusal to acknowledge divine authority culminates in his contemptuous destruction of the prophetic scroll. His unwillingness to "hear them" (the officials) mirrors his deeper unwillingness to hear God, highlighting the perilous state of a hardened heart that leads to inevitable judgment (Jeremiah 36:30-31). Conversely, the verse showcases the theme of Courageous Intercession and Moral Integrity, as Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah display remarkable bravery by risking the king's wrath to speak truth to power and prevent an act of sacrilege. Their actions stand in stark contrast to the passive or complicit attitudes of other officials present. Finally, the broader narrative, including this verse, powerfully underscores the Unstoppable Nature of God's Word. Despite the king's attempt to nullify the physical scroll, God's word could not be thwarted. Jeremiah was commanded to write another scroll, adding even more severe judgments against Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:32), illustrating that God's plans and pronouncements are sovereign and will ultimately be fulfilled, regardless of human opposition (Isaiah 55:11).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:25 powerfully employs Contrast to highlight the profound moral and spiritual chasm between King Jehoiakim and the three courageous officials. The king's impious act of burning the scroll is set against the officials' brave intercession, emphasizing his stubborn rebellion versus their righteous, albeit futile, attempt to avert disaster. There is also a strong element of Irony in the king's actions; by attempting to destroy God's word, he inadvertently ensures its further proliferation and intensified judgment, as God commands Jeremiah to write another scroll with additional pronouncements (Jeremiah 36:32). The "roll" itself functions as potent Symbolism, representing not just a physical document but the very word, authority, and covenant of God. The king's burning of it is a symbolic act of rejecting divine sovereignty, while the officials' plea is a symbolic affirmation of their reverence for it.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the profound theological truth that human defiance, no matter how powerful or brazen, cannot ultimately thwart the sovereign will and immutable word of God. King Jehoiakim's act of burning the scroll was a direct assault on divine authority and an attempt to nullify its power, yet it proved utterly futile in diminishing the certainty or efficacy of God's pronouncements. The courage of Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah serves as a powerful testament to the importance of standing for truth and interceding for righteousness, even when such actions are unpopular, dangerous, or seem destined for failure in the face of overwhelming opposition. Their intercession, though rejected, highlights the moral responsibility of those in positions of influence to speak truth to power and advocate for divine principles. The king's ultimate refusal to hear them demonstrates the perilous state of a hardened heart that rejects divine warning, leading inevitably to severe judgment.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:25 offers a stark mirror for self-examination, prompting us to consider our own posture towards God's word. Are we, like King Jehoiakim, prone to dismiss, disregard, or even actively reject divine warnings that challenge our comfort, our sinful inclinations, or our preconceived notions? Do we find ourselves cutting away parts of Scripture that make us uncomfortable, effectively "burning the scroll" in our own hearts? Or do we emulate the courageous officials, willing to stand for truth and intercede for righteousness, even when it comes at personal cost or seems futile in the face of overwhelming opposition? This passage reminds us that true wisdom and spiritual health lie not in resisting God's truth but in humbly receiving it, allowing it to penetrate our hearts, shape our lives, and lead us to repentance and obedience. The enduring power of God's word, despite human attempts to suppress or destroy it, should inspire us to cherish, diligently study, and faithfully live by the Scriptures, trusting that its promises and warnings will ultimately come to pass in God's perfect timing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did King Jehoiakim burn the scroll, and what was the significance of this act?
Answer: King Jehoiakim burned the scroll as a brazen act of defiance and profound contempt for God's word and authority. The scroll contained Jeremiah's prophecies of impending judgment and exile against Judah, which were unwelcome and threatening to the king's reign. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, destroying a sacred text or a message from a deity was a profound act of rebellion and sacrilege, symbolizing a complete rejection of the divine message and an attempt to nullify its power. Jehoiakim believed he could negate the prophecies by destroying the physical medium. However, this act was ultimately futile, as God simply commanded Jeremiah to write another, even more comprehensive scroll, reinforcing that God's word cannot be thwarted by human opposition (Jeremiah 36:32).
Who were Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah, and why were their actions significant?
Answer: Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah were officials in King Jehoiakim's royal court. Their actions were highly significant because they displayed remarkable moral courage and integrity in an environment often characterized by fear, self-preservation, and sycophancy. They risked the king's wrath by openly pleading with him not to burn the scroll. In a context where opposing the king, especially on matters perceived as divine, could lead to severe punishment, their intercession stands out as a rare moment of righteousness and an attempt to uphold divine truth. Their brave but rejected plea starkly contrasts with the king's hardened heart and the likely passivity of other officials present, highlighting their unique commitment to God's word.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:25, though rooted in the Old Testament, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate rejection of God's word embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as King Jehoiakim defiantly burned the scroll, representing God's written word, so too did the religious and political leaders of Jesus' day reject the living Word made flesh, the very embodiment of God's revelation (John 1:14). Their hardened hearts, unwilling to "hear" the truth of God's kingdom and the call to repentance, led them to crucify the very Son of God (Acts 7:51-53). Yet, just as the burning of the scroll could not nullify God's message, so the death of Christ could not thwart God's redemptive plan. Instead, Christ's sacrifice became the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, demonstrating that God's word, even when seemingly destroyed or rejected, rises in power and accomplishes its eternal purpose (Isaiah 55:11). Furthermore, the intercession of Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah, though rejected by an obstinate king, points to the greater, perfect intercession of Christ, who continually pleads for His people before the Father (Romans 8:34). His intercession, unlike theirs, is always heard and eternally effective, securing salvation and reconciliation for all who believe (Hebrews 7:25).