Jeremiah 36:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H3947} thee again {H7725} another {H312} roll {H4039}, and write {H3789} in it all the former {H7223} words {H1697} that were in the first {H7223} roll {H4039}, which Jehoiakim {H3079} the king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} hath burned {H8313}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Take another scroll, and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Y'hoyakim the king of Y'hudah burned up.

Berean Standard Bible

“Take another scroll and rewrite on it the very words that were on the original scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah has burned.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:28 records the Lord's direct and unwavering command to the prophet Jeremiah, instructing him to recreate the prophetic scroll that King Jehoiakim of Judah had defiantly burned. This divine decree underscores the invincibility of God's word against human opposition, demonstrating that no act of rebellion or suppression can nullify the divine message or alter its intended fulfillment. It is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty, His persistence in delivering His truth, and the certainty of His promised judgments and blessings, regardless of human defiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the dramatic narrative of [Jeremiah chapter 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - The Burning of the Scroll"). Earlier in the chapter, the Lord commanded Jeremiah to dictate all the words He had spoken against Israel, Judah, and all nations since Josiah's reign onto a scroll, hoping that the people would turn from their evil ways upon hearing it ([Jeremiah 36:1-3](/jeremiah/36-1 "Jeremiah 36:1-1 - God's Command to Write")). Jeremiah, being imprisoned, had his scribe Baruch read the scroll publicly at the temple and later to the officials. When the scroll was eventually brought before King Jehoiakim, he responded with contemptuous defiance, cutting and burning sections of it as they were read ([Jeremiah 36:20-23](/jeremiah/36-20 "Jeremiah 36:20-23 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")). Jeremiah 36:28 is God's immediate and resolute response to this act of sacrilege, directly following the account of the burning, emphasizing that the divine word cannot be thwarted by human will. The subsequent verses detail the specific judgment pronounced upon Jehoiakim for his rebellion ([Jeremiah 36:30-31](/jeremiah/36-30 "Jeremiah 36:30-31 - Judgment on Jehoiakim")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Jeremiah chapter 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - The Burning of the Scroll") occurred during the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign (c. 605 BC), a tumultuous period in Judah's history. Babylon had recently defeated Egypt at the Battle of Carchemish, solidifying its dominance in the region, and Judah was caught between these two great powers. Jehoiakim, installed as king by Pharaoh Neco II, was generally hostile to Jeremiah's prophecies, which consistently warned of impending Babylonian invasion and urged submission to God's judgment. The act of burning a prophetic scroll was not merely an act of censorship but a profound symbolic rejection of God's authority and a desperate, futile attempt to negate the divine message. Scrolls were the primary means of recording and preserving important texts, including divine revelations, making their destruction a grave act of rebellion against the source of the words. The king's actions reflect the deep spiritual apostasy and political folly prevalent in Judah's leadership at this time, setting the stage for the nation's eventual destruction and exile.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 36:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Indestructibility and Efficacy of God's Word**. Despite human attempts to suppress or destroy it, God's word stands firm and will accomplish its purpose, as affirmed in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"). The burning of the scroll did not erase the prophecy; it merely necessitated its re-writing, often with added severity. Secondly, the verse underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Persistence**. God's plans and judgments are not subject to human defiance. Jehoiakim's rebellion only confirmed the certainty of the impending judgment, demonstrating that the "counsel of the Lord stands forever" ([Psalm 33:11](/psalm/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")). Thirdly, it illustrates the **Consequences of Rebellion and Hardheartedness**. Jehoiakim's contempt for God's word brought severe and specific judgment upon himself and his dynasty, serving as a stark warning against rejecting divine truth. Finally, the verse implicitly emphasizes **Faithful Obedience in the Face of Opposition**. Jeremiah's immediate compliance to rewrite the scroll, despite the danger, exemplifies the prophet's unwavering commitment to his divine calling, even when facing a powerful, hostile king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **roll (Hebrew, _mᵉgillâh'_):** From the root `gâlal` (to roll), this word specifically refers to a scroll or volume, typically made of parchment or papyrus, rolled up for storage and reading. In this context, it signifies the tangible vessel of God's inspired word, a physical representation of divine revelation. The command to "take another roll" emphasizes the replacement and reiteration of the divine message, highlighting that the physical destruction of the first scroll did not diminish the spiritual reality or authority of the words contained within it.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This highly versatile Hebrew term encompasses not only spoken "words" but also "matters," "things," "affairs," "decrees," or "commands." Here, it refers to the prophetic utterances and divine messages dictated by God through Jeremiah. The use of `dâbâr` underscores the authoritative and active nature of God's communication, which carries inherent power and purpose, distinct from mere human speech. The "former words" are not just information but divine pronouncements of judgment and truth that demand a response.
* **burned (Hebrew, _sâraph'_):** This primitive root means "to be (causatively, set) on fire" or "to burn up utterly." It denotes a complete and deliberate act of destruction by fire. In Jehoiakim's case, it was an act of profound contempt and defiance, an attempt to obliterate the divine message and, by extension, the authority of God Himself. However, the Lord's command in this verse demonstrates the futility of such an act, as the very act of burning only led to the re-creation and amplification of the message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take thee again another roll,"**: This opening command from the Lord to Jeremiah signifies a divine imperative for action. The phrase "again another" (Hebrew: `shûwb` `ʼachêr`) emphasizes not just a replacement, but a renewed effort, a second iteration of the divine message. It immediately establishes that Jehoiakim's act of destruction was futile and would not deter God's purpose. This highlights God's persistence and sovereignty over human defiance.
* **"and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll,"**: This clause specifies the content to be replicated: "all the former words." This ensures the integrity and continuity of the divine message. The emphasis on "all" suggests that nothing was lost or forgotten by God, even if physically destroyed by man. The reference to "the first roll" directly links this new command to the preceding narrative of Jehoiakim's rebellion, underscoring the direct divine response to the king's sacrilegious act.
* **"which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned."**: This concluding phrase explicitly names the perpetrator and his action, serving as both a factual statement and an implicit condemnation. It reiterates the severity of Jehoiakim's sin—not just burning a scroll, but burning the very words of the Lord delivered through His prophet. This act of defiance is the direct catalyst for the divine command to rewrite, ensuring that the king's rebellion would not silence God but rather provoke a stronger, more enduring declaration of His truth.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:28 is rich in **Irony**, as Jehoiakim's attempt to destroy God's word inadvertently leads to its reiteration and even expansion, demonstrating the futility of human rebellion against divine decree. The king's act of burning, intended to silence, instead amplifies the message. There is also clear **Repetition** of the word "roll" (`mᵉgillâh`), first referring to the burned scroll and then to the new one to be written. This repetition underscores the continuity and indestructibility of the divine message despite its physical destruction. The verse functions as a **Divine Fiat**, a powerful declaration of God's will and command, emphasizing His absolute authority and control over events, even in the face of human opposition. Furthermore, the act of burning the scroll and the subsequent command to rewrite it serve as **Symbolism** for the enduring nature of God's truth; while its physical manifestation may be attacked, its spiritual reality and power remain untouched and ultimately prevail.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:28 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's word and His sovereignty. It teaches us that divine revelation is not merely a human artifact subject to destruction, but a living, active, and indestructible force that accomplishes God's purposes regardless of human resistance. Jehoiakim's act was a futile attempt to negate truth, but God's immediate response demonstrates that His word cannot be bound or broken. This passage reinforces the biblical principle that while human agents may reject or suppress truth, God will always ensure its preservation and ultimate fulfillment, often with increased clarity and severity for those who defy Him. It is a powerful reminder that God's truth will always prevail, and those who stand against it do so to their own peril.

* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of Our God Stands Forever")
* [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Never Pass Away")
* [2 Timothy 2:9](/2_timothy/2-9 "2 Timothy 2:9 - The Word of God Is Not Chained")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:28 offers a timeless and profound lesson for believers today: God's word is immutable and indestructible. In a world where truth is often challenged, dismissed, or actively suppressed, this verse provides immense encouragement and a firm foundation for faith. It reminds us that no human authority, political power, or cultural trend can ultimately nullify the divine decrees or silence the voice of God. For those who proclaim God's truth, it is an exhortation to persevere, knowing that the message itself carries divine authority and will accomplish its intended purpose, even in the face of fierce opposition. For those who hear God's word, it serves as a sobering warning against the dangers of spiritual rebellion and hardheartedness, illustrating that rejecting divine counsel inevitably leads to more severe consequences. Our response to God's word—whether in obedience or defiance—determines our destiny, but it never alters the word itself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the indestructibility of God's word, as demonstrated in this passage, encourage you in times when biblical truth is challenged or rejected in society?**
* **In what ways might we, subtly or overtly, attempt to "burn" or diminish God's word in our own lives or communities today?**
* **What specific actions can you take to ensure that God's word is not only heard but also honored and obeyed in your personal life and sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**What was King Jehoiakim's motivation for burning the scroll?**

Answer: King Jehoiakim's motivation for burning the scroll was primarily one of defiance and rebellion against God's prophetic word, which he perceived as a threat to his authority and a condemnation of his policies. The scroll contained messages of impending judgment, including invasion by Babylon and the destruction of Jerusalem, which Jehoiakim, as an Egyptian vassal, found politically inconvenient and personally offensive. His act was a desperate, albeit futile, attempt to negate the divine message and avoid accountability, reflecting a hardhearted refusal to repent and submit to God's will ([Jeremiah 36:23-24](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23-24 - Jehoiakim's Defiance")).

**Did Jehoiakim's act of burning the scroll succeed in stopping God's message?**

Answer: Absolutely not. Jeremiah 36:28 explicitly states God's immediate command to Jeremiah to "Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words... which Jehoiakim... hath burned." Not only was the message replicated, but additional words of judgment were also added, specifically targeting Jehoiakim and his dynasty for his egregious act of defiance ([Jeremiah 36:30-31](/jeremiah/36-30 "Jeremiah 36:30-31 - Judgment on Jehoiakim's Dynasty")). This incident powerfully demonstrates the futility of human attempts to thwart God's sovereign will or silence His word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:28, while detailing an Old Testament event, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate triumph and enduring nature of God's Word, which finds its fullest embodiment in Jesus Christ. Just as Jehoiakim sought to destroy the written word, humanity, in its rebellion, sought to silence the living Word, Jesus, through crucifixion. However, the resurrection of Christ, like the rewriting of the scroll, demonstrates that no power, human or demonic, can ultimately extinguish God's truth or thwart His redemptive plan. Jesus Himself declared, "[Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - The Enduring Words of Christ")" ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - The Enduring Words of Christ")), echoing the divine persistence seen in Jeremiah. The rewritten scroll, with its added judgments, also points to the increased severity of judgment for those who reject the light of Christ, for "[this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - The Judgment of Light")" ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - The Judgment of Light")). Ultimately, Jesus is the "[Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the living revelation of God who cannot be burned, silenced, or destroyed, and through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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

Zechariah 1:5

Your fathers, where [are] they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?

Zechariah 1:6

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

2 Timothy 2:13

If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Jeremiah 28:13

Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.

Jeremiah 28:14

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the beasts of the field also.

Job 23:13

¶ But he [is] in one [mind], and who can turn him? and [what] his soul desireth, even [that] he doeth.

Jeremiah 44:28

Yet a small number that escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah, and all the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose words shall stand, mine, or theirs.