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.

And Baruch {H1263} the son {H1121} of Neriah {H5374} did {H6213} according to all that Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030} commanded {H6680} him, reading {H7121} in the book {H5612} the words {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} in the LORD'S {H3068} house {H1004}.

Barukh the son of Neriyah obeyed everything Yirmeyahu the prophet ordered him to do, reading the words of ADONAI from the scroll in ADONAI's house.

So Baruch son of Neriah did everything that Jeremiah the prophet had commanded him. In the house of the LORD he read the words of the LORD from the scroll.

And Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him, reading in the book the words of Jehovah in Jehovah’s house.

Commentary

Context of Jeremiah 36:8

Jeremiah 36:8 is a pivotal verse within a narrative detailing the first public reading of Jeremiah's prophecies. Following God's command to write down all the words spoken against Israel, Judah, and other nations (Jeremiah 36:2), Jeremiah dictated these messages to his faithful scribe, Baruch the son of Neriah. This public reading occurred during a fast in the ninth month of the fifth year of King Jehoiakim's reign (Jeremiah 36:9), a period marked by significant spiritual decline and impending judgment for the kingdom of Judah. Baruch's act was one of courageous obedience, delivering God's challenging message directly to the people gathered at the Temple.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Obedience to Divine Command: Baruch's actions exemplify immediate and complete obedience to both Jeremiah's instructions and, implicitly, to God's will. He "did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him," highlighting the importance of faithfulness in carrying out God-given tasks.
  • Proclamation of God's Word: The central act is the public reading of "the words of the LORD." This emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the message. It wasn't Jeremiah's opinion, but God's direct revelation intended for the people's hearing and response. This public proclamation was a desperate attempt to call the nation to repentance, as seen in Jeremiah 36:3.
  • The Role of the Scribe: Baruch serves as a crucial intermediary, not just in recording but in actively delivering the prophetic message. His role underscores the importance of those who faithfully preserve and transmit God's truth.
  • The Temple as a Venue: Reading "in the LORD'S house" (the Temple) lent immense weight and solemnity to the message. It was the central place of worship and national identity, making it the most impactful location for such a divine pronouncement.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the words of the LORD" (Hebrew: divrei Yahweh) is significant. It underscores that the content of the scroll was not merely human wisdom or political commentary, but the authoritative, living utterance of God Himself. The term Yahweh emphasizes God's covenant name, reminding the people of His faithfulness to His promises and His warnings.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 36:8 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Faithful Stewardship of God's Word: Like Baruch, we are called to be faithful stewards of God's word, whether through reading, teaching, or living it out. The integrity of the message is paramount.
  • Courage in Proclamation: Proclaiming truth, especially inconvenient truth, often requires courage. Baruch faced potential opposition from the king and officials, yet he obeyed. This resonates with the call to boldness in sharing the gospel, even in challenging environments, as seen in Acts 4:29.
  • The Power of Public Witness: While not always in a physical temple, the public declaration of God's truth remains vital for spiritual awakening and accountability. Our lives and words can be a witness to God's authority and grace.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 1:17

    Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.

  • Jeremiah 36:4

    Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book.

  • Philippians 2:19

    But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

  • Philippians 2:22

    But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

  • Luke 4:16

    And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

  • Luke 4:30

    But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

  • 1 Corinthians 16:10

    ¶ Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also [do].
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