Jeremiah 36:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:8 vividly portrays the faithful obedience of Baruch, the son of Neriah, as he carries out the prophet Jeremiah's command. In a public act of spiritual significance, Baruch reads the divinely inspired words of the LORD from a scroll within the sacred confines of the Temple, making God's urgent message of judgment and a call to repentance accessible to all gathered. This pivotal moment underscores the authority of God's revealed word and the crucial role of those who faithfully proclaim it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial narrative in Jeremiah 36, which details the first public reading of Jeremiah's prophecies. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 36:1-7) establish that God commanded Jeremiah to record all the words He had spoken against Israel, Judah, and all nations since Josiah's reign. The explicit purpose was that the house of Judah might hear the impending disaster and turn from their evil ways, thus receiving forgiveness. Jeremiah, being confined, delegated this momentous task to his faithful scribe, Baruch. Jeremiah 36:8 then describes Baruch's immediate and complete obedience to this divine-human commission, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the scroll's reception by the people, the princes, and ultimately, King Jehoiakim. This act of public reading is presented as a final, desperate plea from God to His people before irreversible judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 36 unfold in the fifth year of King Jehoiakim's reign (c. 605 BC), a period of profound spiritual and political instability for the kingdom of Judah. Jehoiakim was a puppet king installed by Egypt, and his reign was characterized by idolatry, injustice, and a defiant rejection of God's word, contrasting sharply with his father Josiah's reforms. The public reading occurred during a fast (Jeremiah 36:9), likely a national day of repentance or mourning, which drew a large crowd to the Temple, making it an ideal venue for a widespread proclamation. The Temple, "the LORD's house," was the spiritual and national center, imbuing Baruch's act with immense religious and political weight. Scribes like Baruch played a vital role in ancient Near Eastern society, not merely as copyists but as trusted administrators, record-keepers, and sometimes, as here, public spokespersons for significant documents.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 36:8 highlights several prominent themes found throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Central among these is **obedience to divine command**, exemplified by Baruch's immediate and comprehensive execution of Jeremiah's instructions, which were themselves from God. This act underscores the **authority and power of God's Word** itself, described as "the words of the LORD," emphasizing its divine origin and inherent capacity to effect change or bring judgment. The public reading in the Temple also points to the theme of **public proclamation and witness**, demonstrating God's desire for His message to be heard widely, even if it is a message of rebuke and a call to repentance, as seen in [Jeremiah 36:3](/jeremiah/36-3 "Jeremiah 36:3 - The Purpose of the Scroll"). Furthermore, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **divine patience and warning**, as God provides yet another opportunity for Judah to turn from its wicked ways before the full weight of His judgment falls, a concept frequently reiterated by the prophets, as in [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - Call to Repentance and Rest").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baruch (Hebrew, _Bârûwk'_):** This name, derived from the Hebrew root meaning "blessed," signifies "blessed." Baruch's name stands in stark contrast to the impending curses and judgments pronounced in the scroll he reads. His faithful obedience in a time of national apostasy indeed marks him as one who is blessed by God, serving as a loyal and courageous instrument for the divine will.
* **did (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This verb means "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it emphasizes Baruch's active and complete execution of Jeremiah's command. It signifies not just an action but an accomplishment, highlighting his diligence and faithfulness in carrying out a task of immense spiritual and national importance. Baruch's "doing" is presented as a direct and unqualified response to the prophet's instruction.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term refers to "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." Here, "the words of the LORD" signifies more than mere human speech; it denotes the authoritative, living utterance of God Himself. It encompasses not just individual words but the entire message, the divine communication, which carries the weight of God's character, His covenant, and His sovereign will. This emphasizes the divine origin and inherent power of the message Baruch proclaimed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him":** This clause highlights Baruch's immediate and comprehensive obedience. He is not merely a passive scribe but an active participant, fully committed to fulfilling the prophet's instructions, which are ultimately God's commands. His lineage, "son of Neriah," identifies him precisely, emphasizing his personal responsibility and established identity within the community.
* **"reading in the book the words of the LORD":** This is the central action of the verse. Baruch's task was to publicly deliver the scroll's content. The phrase "the words of the LORD" is crucial, asserting the divine inspiration and authority of the message. It was not Jeremiah's personal opinion or political commentary, but God's direct revelation, intended to confront the people with their sin and call them to repentance. The "book" or scroll was the tangible vessel of this divine communication.
* **"in the LORD'S house":** The location of the reading, the Temple in Jerusalem, adds immense weight and solemnity to the event. It was the spiritual center of Judah, a place where people gathered for worship and national assembly. Reading God's judgment and call to repentance in this sacred space underscored the message's gravity and its direct relevance to the covenant relationship between God and His people, making it impossible to ignore the divine pronouncement.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:8 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Obedience** as a central theme, exemplified by Baruch's unwavering adherence to Jeremiah's command. This is not merely a narrative detail but a theological statement about faithful service in the face of daunting circumstances. The **Symbolism** of the "book" or scroll is significant; it represents the tangible, written Word of God, carrying divine authority and truth. Its public reading in "the LORD's house" further emphasizes the **Symbolism** of the Temple as the designated place for divine encounter and revelation, even when that revelation is one of judgment. The **Repetition** of "the LORD" (twice) within the short verse underscores the divine origin and ultimate authority behind the entire event—it is God's message, delivered in God's designated place. Furthermore, the act of public reading itself serves as **Foreshadowing** of the nation's response, setting up the subsequent narrative where the word of the LORD is defiantly rejected by the king, leading to the fulfillment of the very judgments proclaimed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:8 serves as a powerful testament to the enduring theological principle of the authority and necessity of God's revealed Word. Baruch's faithful act highlights that God's truth is not meant to be hidden but publicly proclaimed, even when its message is challenging or unpopular. It underscores the vital role of intermediaries—prophets, scribes, and ultimately, all believers—in transmitting divine truth to a world in need of hearing it. The public reading in the Temple emphasizes that God's Word is meant to confront, instruct, and call to repentance within the community of faith, holding both individuals and nations accountable to His standards. This event illustrates God's persistent grace in providing opportunities for His people to turn back to Him, even on the brink of judgment, demonstrating His desire for their restoration.

* [Deuteronomy 31:11-12](/deuteronomy/31-11 "Deuteronomy 31:11-12 - Public Reading of the Law")
* [Nehemiah 8:3](/nehemiah/8-3 "Nehemiah 8:3 - Ezra Reads the Law to the People")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-Breathed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Baruch's courageous and obedient act in Jeremiah 36:8 provides a timeless model for believers today. In a world often resistant to divine truth, we are called to be faithful stewards of God's Word, not only by personal study but also by sharing its life-transforming message. Like Baruch, who faced potential opposition from a hostile king and a spiritually apathetic nation, we must cultivate courage to proclaim God's truth, whether through our words, our actions, or our very lives. This verse reminds us that the power resides not in our eloquence or influence, but in the inherent authority of "the words of the LORD." Our task is to faithfully deliver the message, trusting God to work through it, even when the immediate response is rejection. It challenges us to consider where and how we are "reading in the book the words of the LORD" in our own spheres of influence, making His truth accessible and impactful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate Baruch's level of complete and immediate obedience to God's commands?**
* **How can you, like Baruch, be a faithful steward and proclaimer of "the words of the LORD" in your family, community, or workplace?**
* **What "LORD'S house"—whether a physical church or your sphere of influence—are you called to bring God's truth into, even if it's an uncomfortable message?**
* **What might prevent you from courageously proclaiming God's Word, and how can you overcome those obstacles?**

### FAQ
**Who was Baruch and why was his role important in this passage?**

Answer: Baruch was the faithful scribe and close companion of the prophet Jeremiah. His role in Jeremiah 36:8 is critically important because he served as the direct instrument through whom God's prophetic message was publicly delivered. Jeremiah, being unable to go to the Temple himself (Jeremiah 36:5), entrusted Baruch with the dangerous and vital task of reading the scroll containing God's words of judgment and call to repentance. Baruch's obedience, courage, and faithfulness in fulfilling this commission highlight the importance of those who diligently preserve and proclaim God's truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. He was not just a copyist but an active participant in God's redemptive plan, ensuring the divine message reached the ears of the people.

**Why was the message read specifically "in the LORD'S house"?**

Answer: The "LORD's house" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship and national gathering for the people of Judah. Reading the scroll there was strategically and spiritually significant for several reasons. Firstly, it ensured the widest possible audience, as many people would gather at the Temple, especially during a national fast (Jeremiah 36:9). Secondly, it lent immense authority and solemnity to the message. Proclaiming God's words in His own sacred dwelling underscored their divine origin and the covenant relationship between God and His people. It was a direct confrontation within the very heart of their religious life, making it clear that God was speaking to them in their most sacred space, concerning their spiritual and national destiny.

**What was the ultimate purpose of reading these prophecies publicly?**

Answer: The ultimate purpose of reading these prophecies publicly, as stated by God Himself through Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 36:3](/jeremiah/36-3 "Jeremiah 36:3 - The Purpose of the Scroll"), was to call the people of Judah to repentance. God intended that "it may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin." It was a final, compassionate warning before the full weight of divine judgment fell upon them. The public proclamation was an act of divine mercy, offering one last opportunity for the nation to humble themselves, turn from their wickedness, and avert the impending disaster of Babylonian invasion and exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:8, depicting Baruch's faithful proclamation of the written word of the LORD, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, who is the Living Word of God. While Baruch read "the words of the LORD" from a scroll, Jesus Himself is the complete and perfect revelation of God, the [Word made flesh who dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The Old Testament prophecies, including those dictated by Jeremiah, consistently pointed forward to the coming Messiah, and Jesus declared that [all things written about Him in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures"). Just as Baruch's reading was a desperate call to repentance, Jesus's ministry was a direct and personal call for humanity to turn from sin and embrace the Kingdom of God. He is the ultimate prophet, priest, and king, embodying the very essence of God's message of salvation. In Him, God's "words" are not merely spoken or written, but incarnated, offering not just a warning of judgment but the definitive path to forgiveness and eternal life, as [God has spoken to us by His Son](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God's Final Word in His Son"), through whom all things were made and sustained, as described in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Eternal Word").

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 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].