Jeremiah 36:6

KJV

Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD'S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore go {H935} thou, and read {H7121} in the roll {H4039}, which thou hast written {H3789} from my mouth {H6310}, the words {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} in the ears {H241} of the people {H5971} in the LORD'S {H3068} house {H1004} upon the fasting {H6685} day {H3117}: and also thou shalt read {H7121} them in the ears {H241} of all Judah {H3063} that come out {H935} of their cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, you take the scroll which you wrote at my dictation, go into the house of ADONAI on a fast-day, and read from it the words of ADONAI in the hearing of the people; also read them to all Y'hudah as they exit their cities.

Berean Standard Bible

so you are to go to the house of the LORD on a day of fasting, and in the hearing of the people you are to read the words of the LORD from the scroll you have written at my dictation. Read them in the hearing of all the people of Judah who are coming from their cities.

American Standard Version

therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of Jehovah in the ears of the people in Jehovah’s house upon the fast-day; and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:6 captures a pivotal moment in the prophet Jeremiah's ministry, detailing God's specific and urgent instruction for his faithful scribe, Baruch, to publicly read the divinely inspired prophecies. This command, given during a critical period of Judah's history marked by spiritual decline and impending judgment, underscores the absolute necessity of God's message of warning and call to repentance. It ensures its widespread dissemination among the gathered populace in the Temple on a designated fast day, and to all who would travel from the surrounding cities, providing a final, gracious opportunity for the nation to turn back to the LORD before inevitable calamity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 36:6 is centrally positioned within a narrative block (Jeremiah 36) that meticulously chronicles the genesis, public proclamation, and ultimate rejection of Jeremiah's prophecies. The preceding verses establish the divine mandate for Jeremiah to compile all the words God had spoken against Israel, Judah, and other nations since the beginning of his prophetic ministry, with the explicit hope that the people might "return every man from his evil way" and receive forgiveness ([Jeremiah 36:2-3](/jeremiah/36-2-3 "Jeremiah 36:2-3 - God's Command to Write the Prophecies")). Verse 5 then introduces a crucial logistical challenge: Jeremiah declares, "I am shut up; I cannot go into the house of the LORD," thereby necessitating Baruch's pivotal role as the chosen messenger. Thus, verse 6 serves as the direct, explicit instruction for this public proclamation, setting in motion the dramatic sequence that follows, which includes Baruch's obedient reading, the mixed reactions of the officials, King Jehoiakim's defiant burning of the scroll, and God's subsequent command to Jeremiah to rewrite the message with even greater severity and added judgment ([Jeremiah 36:8-32](/jeremiah/36-8-32 "Jeremiah 36:8-32 - Baruch Reads, Jehoiakim Burns, God Rewrites")). This verse, therefore, is the linchpin for the entire chapter's unfolding narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This significant event transpired in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign, approximately 605 BC, a period characterized by profound political instability and rampant spiritual apostasy in Judah. The formidable Babylonian Empire was rapidly ascending, having recently secured a decisive victory over Egypt at the Battle of Carchemish (605 BC), which effectively rendered Judah a vulnerable vassal state. King Jehoiakim, in stark contrast to his righteous father Josiah, pursued policies that openly defied God, indulging in idolatry, injustice, and a general disregard for divine law. A "fasting day" (Hebrew: `tsom`) was a deeply significant communal religious observance, often publicly declared in times of national crisis, severe drought, or impending judgment. On such days, people would gather at the Temple in Jerusalem to humble themselves, engage in collective lament, and earnestly seek God's favor and intervention ([Joel 2:12-17](/joel/2-12-17 "Joel 2:12-17 - Call to Repentance and Fasting")). Such an occasion would naturally draw a vast concourse of people, not only from Jerusalem but also from the surrounding towns and villages, making the Temple the most strategic and impactful location for Baruch to deliver God's urgent message to the widest possible audience, maximizing the potential for national repentance before the inevitable Babylonian exile.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 36:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching and interconnected themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the **divine authority and unwavering persistence of God's word**. The emphatic phrase "from my mouth" serves to highlight that these are not merely Jeremiah's personal opinions or political insights, but the direct, authoritative pronouncements of the Almighty. This emphasizes God's active engagement with His people and His unwavering commitment to communicating His will, even when His messages are met with indifference or outright hostility ([Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God's Word Placed in Jeremiah's Mouth")). Secondly, the explicit command for **public proclamation** forcefully conveys the imperative of boldly declaring God's truth, irrespective of its unpopularity, its challenging content, or the potential dangers it might entail for the messenger. This act was a final, desperate plea for Judah to heed the warnings and avert the impending judgment, echoing the consistent prophetic call to repentance found throughout the Old Testament ([Isaiah 58:1](/isaiah/58-1 "Isaiah 58:1 - Cry Aloud, Spare Not")). Thirdly, the passage implicitly yet powerfully emphasizes the theme of **obedience and faithful witness**, particularly through Baruch's courageous willingness to undertake this perilous and potentially life-threatening task. His actions serve as an enduring model for all those called to deliver God's message in challenging or hostile environments, demonstrating that unwavering faithfulness to God's command is paramount, even when it involves significant personal risk and sacrifice ([Jeremiah 45:5](/jeremiah/45-5 "Jeremiah 45:5 - Baruch's Reward for Faithfulness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This term, derived from the root meaning "to speak," signifies far more than simple utterances. _Dâbâr_ encompasses a broad semantic range, including spoken words, matters, affairs, decrees, deeds, and even the very essence or reality of a thing. In the context of "the words of the LORD," it refers to the complete, authoritative divine message—the entire corpus of prophecies, warnings, and calls to repentance that God had communicated through Jeremiah. This emphasizes the comprehensive, binding, and active nature of God's revelation, which carries the full weight of His character, purpose, and sovereign will.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** (H1004) While literally referring to a physical dwelling, _bayith_ in this verse specifically denotes "the LORD'S house," which is the Temple in Jerusalem. This location is profoundly significant, not merely as a physical structure but as the central place of worship, the embodiment of the covenant, and the focal point of divine presence for the people of Judah. Reading the scroll within the Temple grounds on a designated fast day transforms the act into a solemn, public, and profoundly religiously charged event, lending immense weight, sanctity, and undeniable authority to the message, as it is delivered from the very heart of their spiritual and national life.
* **fasting (Hebrew, _tsôwm'_):** (H6685) This word refers to a period of abstention from food, typically observed in conjunction with prayer, humility, and repentance. A "fasting day" was a communal observance, often declared by national or religious leaders in times of severe national distress, impending judgment, or urgent need to seek divine intervention. The strategic choice of this specific day for the public reading was crucial: it ensured a large assembly of people, both from Jerusalem and the surrounding cities, who would likely be in a more receptive, humble, and somber state of mind, making them more inclined to listen to a message of warning and a call to repentance. It underscores the profound gravity of Judah's spiritual condition and the urgent need for the people to turn back to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth":** This opening clause establishes the direct, imperative divine command issued to Baruch, underscoring his vital role as the obedient and authorized messenger. The "roll" (Hebrew: `megillah`) is the tangible embodiment of God's revelation, meticulously transcribed by Baruch. The profoundly significant phrase "from my mouth" unequivocally asserts the divine origin and absolute authority of the message, clearly distinguishing it from any human opinion, political agenda, or personal interpretation. It is God's own authoritative word, not merely Jeremiah's, that is to be proclaimed.
* **"the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD'S house upon the fasting day":** This segment precisely specifies the content, the intended audience, the sacred location, and the strategic timing of the proclamation. "The words of the LORD" emphatically reiterate the divine authorship and inherent power of the message. Reading "in the ears" signifies an audible, public, and direct declaration, ensuring that the message is heard by all present, leaving no room for ignorance. The "LORD'S house" (the Temple) provides a sacred, central, and highly visible venue, while "the fasting day" ensures a large, attentive, and potentially receptive audience gathered for communal spiritual purposes, maximizing the message's impact.
* **"and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities":** This final clause significantly broadens the scope of the audience, indicating that the message was not intended solely for the residents of Jerusalem but for the entire populace of Judah who would travel to the capital for the solemn fast day. This demonstrates God's expansive desire for His warning and gracious call to repentance to reach the entire nation, ensuring that no one could claim ignorance or lack of opportunity to hear and respond. It highlights the comprehensive and inclusive nature of God's outreach to His covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:6 is rich with impactful literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Direct Discourse**, as God's command is conveyed directly to Baruch, lending immediate and undeniable authority and urgency to the instruction. The phrase "from my mouth" functions as a powerful form of **Divine Attribution**, unequivocally asserting the divine origin of the message and elevating its status beyond mere human prophecy to the very word of God Himself. The repeated phrase "in the ears of the people" and "in the ears of all Judah" serves as a potent form of **Emphasis** through repetition, highlighting the critical importance of audible, public proclamation and widespread dissemination. The strategic choice of "the LORD'S house" and "the fasting day" as the setting creates a strong sense of **Symbolism** and **Irony**. The Temple, a sacred place of worship and covenant, ironically becomes the stage for a message of impending judgment due to covenant breaking, while a day of fasting, traditionally meant for humility and repentance, becomes the final, crucial opportunity for the nation to hear the very words that might prompt that repentance. This stark contrast powerfully underscores the gravity of Judah's spiritual condition and God's persistent, yet ultimately rejected, grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:6 profoundly encapsulates the enduring theological truth that God actively and persistently communicates with humanity, driven by His desire for their repentance, restoration, and ultimate well-being. The divine imperative for His word to be publicly read underscores God's unwavering commitment to ensuring His message is heard, even when it is a message of stern judgment. This reflects both His perfect justice, which demands accountability for sin, and His boundless mercy, which continually extends a path to reconciliation. The act of meticulously writing and then publicly reading the scroll emphasizes the tangible, enduring, and authoritative nature of God's word, which stands as a faithful witness against disobedience but also as a luminous guide for life. It serves as a potent reminder that God's truth is not meant to be hidden or exclusive but is intended for broad dissemination, calling all people to a decisive response of faith and obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 31:11-12](/deuteronomy/31-11-12 "Deuteronomy 31:11-12 - Public Reading of the Law")
* [Nehemiah 8:1-3](/nehemiah/8-1-3 "Nehemiah 8:1-3 - Ezra Reads the Law to the People")
* [2 Timothy 4:2](/2_timothy/4-2 "2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word in Season and Out of Season")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:6 offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to re-evaluate our relationship with God's revealed truth. It highlights the non-negotiable authority, inherent power, and transformative potential of God's Word. Just as Baruch was explicitly commanded to read words that came "from my mouth," so too are we called to recognize that the Bible is not merely human literature or ancient wisdom, but the divinely inspired, living, and active word of God, fully capable of transforming individual lives and societies. This passage compels us to honestly examine our own posture towards God's truth: Do we listen attentively with open hearts and minds? Do we allow it to deeply penetrate our "ears" and shape our innermost being? Furthermore, Baruch's unwavering, faithful obedience in a perilous and hostile environment serves as a powerful and convicting model for us today. In a world that is often indifferent or even overtly hostile to biblical truth, are we willing to be courageous conduits for God's message, proclaiming it publicly and personally, even when it is unpopular, challenging, or involves significant personal cost? Finally, the strategic choice of a "fasting day" in "the LORD'S house" reminds us of the profound importance of corporate worship and designated times of spiritual focus. These are not merely traditions or rituals but vital opportunities for God's word to be heard, for hearts to be softened, and for genuine repentance, spiritual renewal, and revival to occur within the community of faith and extend outward to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin of the message ("from my mouth") deepen your understanding of the Bible's authority and its practical application in your daily life?**
* **In what specific ways are you, like Baruch, called to be a faithful and courageous messenger of God's truth within your personal sphere of influence, even when it's challenging?**
* **What significance do communal gatherings for worship, spiritual instruction, and focused spiritual disciplines (like a "fasting day") hold for the effective proclamation and receptive hearing of God's Word in the church and society today?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jeremiah unable to go to the Temple himself, necessitating Baruch's role?**

Answer: Jeremiah 36:5 states, "I am shut up; I cannot go into the house of the LORD." The precise reason for Jeremiah being "shut up" (Hebrew: `atsur`, meaning restrained, confined, or hindered) is not explicitly detailed in the text. Biblical scholars propose several plausible explanations: it could have been a literal imprisonment or house arrest due to his unpopular and politically provocative prophecies ([Jeremiah 32:2-3](/jeremiah/32-2-3 "Jeremiah 32:2-3 - Jeremiah Imprisoned by Zedekiah")), a divine prohibition for a specific purpose, or perhaps a state of ritual impurity that temporarily prevented him from entering the sacred Temple precincts. Regardless of the exact cause, his inability to personally enter the Temple underscored the urgency and danger inherent in the situation, making Baruch's courageous willingness to serve as his proxy all the more significant and demonstrating the critical importance of the divine message being delivered to the people.

**What was the purpose of reading the scroll on a "fasting day"?**

Answer: The strategic choice of a "fasting day" for the public reading of the scroll was highly intentional and served multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, such days were typically declared by the king or religious authorities in times of national crisis, drawing a large congregation of people from both Jerusalem and the surrounding cities to the Temple for communal prayer, lament, and repentance ([Joel 2:15-17](/joel/2-15-17 "Joel 2:15-17 - Call for a Solemn Assembly and Fast")). This ensured the maximum possible audience for God's urgent message. Secondly, a fasting day was inherently associated with humility, introspection, and a solemn seeking of God's favor, making the people potentially more receptive and spiritually prepared to hear a message of warning and a call to repentance. God's explicit intention was that they would "present their supplication before the LORD, and shall return every one from his evil way" ([Jeremiah 36:7](/jeremiah/36-7 "Jeremiah 36:7 - Hope for Repentance and Forgiveness")). It was, therefore, an exceptionally opportune moment to deliver a solemn, weighty, and urgent divine word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:6, with its profound emphasis on the public proclamation of God's "words" directly "from my mouth," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the **Incarnate Word** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")), the very embodiment of God's self-revelation, who came not merely to declare the Father's will through a written scroll, but through His very life, His authoritative teachings, and His atoning death. Just as Baruch was commissioned to read the words of the LORD in the Temple courts, Jesus Himself taught extensively and powerfully within the Temple precincts ([Luke 19:47](/luke/19-47 "Luke 19:47 - Jesus Taught Daily in the Temple")), boldly proclaiming the advent of the kingdom of God and calling all people to radical repentance. The setting of the "fasting day," intended to draw people into a posture of humility and repentance before God, profoundly foreshadows Christ's ultimate and perfect sacrifice on the cross, which provides the true and only means for humanity to "return every one from his evil way" and find complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Be Converted")). While Baruch's message was written on a physical scroll that could be defiantly burned by a rebellious king, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, cannot be extinguished or silenced. His eternal message, empowered by His Spirit and faithfully recorded in the New Testament, continues to be proclaimed "in the ears of all" nations, fulfilling the universal scope of God's desire for all Judah and beyond to hear and respond to His saving grace ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). He is the ultimate messenger, the very message itself, and the one through whom God truly speaks and sovereignly saves.

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 36:8

And Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him, reading in the book the words of the LORD in the LORD'S house.

Jeremiah 36:9

¶ And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, [that] they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 7:2

Stand in the gate of the LORD'S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all [ye of] Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD.

Jeremiah 22:2

And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:

Jeremiah 26:2

Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:

Leviticus 16:29

¶ And [this] shall be a statute for ever unto you: [that] in the seventh month, on the tenth [day] of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, [whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

Leviticus 16:31

It [shall be] a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.