Jeremiah 36
BSB1 In the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2 “Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you during the reign of Josiah until today. 3 Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about all the calamity I plan to bring upon them, each of them will turn from his wicked way. Then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin." 4 So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and at the dictation of Jeremiah, Baruch wrote on a scroll all the words that the LORD had spoken to Jeremiah. 5 Then Jeremiah commanded Baruch, “I am restricted; I cannot enter the house of the LORD; 6 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. 7 Perhaps they will bring their petition before the LORD, and each one will turn from his wicked way; for great are the anger and fury that the LORD has pronounced against this people." 8 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. 9 Now in the ninth month of the fifth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, a fast before the LORD was proclaimed to all the people of Jerusalem and all who had come there from the cities of Judah. 10 From the chamber of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, which was in the upper courtyard at the opening of the New Gate of the house of the LORD, Baruch read from the scroll the words of Jeremiah in the hearing of all the people. 11 When Micaiah son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, heard all the words of the LORD from the scroll, 12 he went down to the scribe’s chamber in the king’s palace, where all the officials were sitting: Elishama the scribe, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials. 13 And Micaiah reported to them all the words he had heard Baruch read from the scroll in the hearing of the people. 14 Then all the officials sent word to Baruch through Jehudi son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, saying, “Bring the scroll that you read in the hearing of the people, and come here.” So Baruch son of Neriah took the scroll and went to them. 15 “Please sit down,” they said, “and read it in our hearing.” So Baruch read it in their hearing. 16 When they had heard all these words, they turned to one another in fear and said to Baruch, “Surely we must report all these words to the king." 17 “Tell us now,” they asked Baruch, “how did you write all these words? Was it at Jeremiah’s dictation?" 18 “It was at his dictation,” Baruch replied. “He recited all these words to me and I wrote them in ink on the scroll." 19 Then the officials said to Baruch, “You and Jeremiah must hide yourselves and tell no one where you are." 20 So the officials went to the king in the courtyard. And having stored the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, they reported everything to the king. 21 Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it from the chamber of Elishama the scribe. And Jehudi read it in the hearing of the king and all the officials who were standing beside him. 22 Since it was the ninth month, the king was sitting in his winter quarters with a fire burning before him. 23 And as soon as Jehudi had read three or four columns, Jehoiakim would cut them off with a scribe’s knife and throw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll had been consumed by the fire. 24 Yet in hearing all these words, the king and his servants did not become frightened or tear their garments. 25 Even though Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. 26 Instead, the king commanded Jerahmeel, a son of the king, as well as Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel, to seize Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. But the LORD had hidden them. 27 After the king had burned the scroll containing the words that Baruch had written at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 28 “Take another scroll and rewrite on it the very words that were on the original scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah has burned. 29 You are to proclaim concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah that this is what the LORD says: You have burned the scroll and said, ‘Why have you written on it that the king of Babylon would surely come and destroy this land and deprive it of man and beast?’ 30 Therefore this is what the LORD says about Jehoiakim king of Judah: He will have no one to sit on David’s throne, and his body will be thrown out and exposed to heat by day and frost by night. 31 I will punish him and his descendants and servants for their iniquity. I will bring on them, on the residents of Jerusalem, and on the men of Judah, all the calamity about which I warned them but they did not listen." 32 Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah, and at Jeremiah’s dictation he wrote on it all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 36
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Jeremiah 36
- Themes from Jeremiah 36
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Jeremiah 36
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Jeremiah receiving a word from the Lord to write down all the words He had spoken to him, which Baruch then wrote down in a scroll. The scroll was read to the people, and they were afraid, but King Jehoiakim rejected God's word and burned the scroll. Despite this, Jeremiah and Baruch rewrote the scroll, and God added many more words to it. The chapter ends with a description of the king's punishment for rejecting God's word. As Jeremiah 36:4-8 describes, the people were initially receptive to God's word, but the king's actions led to further judgment. Key verses such as Jeremiah 36:2 and Jeremiah 36:17 highlight the importance of obedience to God's word.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the book of Jeremiah, which is a collection of prophecies and messages from God to the people of Judah and other nations. The chapter is set during the reign of King Jehoiakim, who was a wicked king who rejected God's word. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's relationship with His people and His plan of salvation. As seen in 2 Kings 23:34-24:7, King Jehoiakim's reign was marked by rebellion against God and His word.
Heart Application
This chapter challenges us to consider our response to God's word. Are we like King Jehoiakim, who rejected God's word, or are we like Jeremiah and Baruch, who persevered in proclaiming God's message? As seen in Jeremiah 36:1-3, God's word is the source of all truth and wisdom, and we must be careful to obey His commands and trust in His goodness.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about God's word and how it was rejected by King Jehoiakim. God told Jeremiah to write down all His words, which Baruch did. The king burned the scroll, but Jeremiah and Baruch rewrote it, and God added more words. This chapter teaches us to obey God's word and trust in His goodness, as seen in Jeremiah 36:1-3.
Voices from the Church
“The word of God is not a mere letter, but a living and powerful thing, which pierces to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit. As seen in Jeremiah 36:1-3, God's word is the source of all truth and wisdom.”
— John Calvin
“The Bible is the book of God, and it is our duty to read it, to study it, and to obey it. As seen in Jeremiah 36:2-3, God's word is comprehensive and authoritative.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Command to Write Down God's Word (Jeremiah 36:1-4) — God commands Jeremiah to write down all His words, which Baruch does. This section highlights the importance of preserving God's word in written form.
- The Reading of the Scroll (Jeremiah 36:5-10) — The scroll is read to the people, and they are afraid. This section shows the initial reception of God's word by the people.
- The King's Rejection of God's Word (Jeremiah 36:11-26) — King Jehoiakim rejects God's word and burns the scroll. This section describes the consequences of rejecting God's word.
- The Rewriting of the Scroll (Jeremiah 36:27-32) — Jeremiah and Baruch rewrite the scroll, and God adds many more words to it. This section highlights the perseverance of God's word.
- The Punishment of the King (Jeremiah 36:33) — The king is punished for rejecting God's word. This section shows the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.
Core Doctrines
- The Inspiration of Scripture
- This chapter teaches that Scripture is inspired by God, who speaks through His prophets and writes His words down in a book. As seen in Jeremiah 36:1-3, God's word is the source of all truth and wisdom.
- The Authority of Scripture
- The chapter emphasizes the authority of Scripture, which is rejected by King Jehoiakim but perseveres despite his actions. Jeremiah 36:2-3 describes the process of writing down God's word.
- The Perseverance of God's Word
- The chapter shows how God's word endures forever, despite the rejection of the king. Jeremiah 36:32 highlights the perseverance of God's word.
- The Importance of Obedience
- The chapter teaches the importance of obeying God's commands and trusting in His goodness. As seen in Jeremiah 36:1-3, God's word is the source of all truth and wisdom, and we must be careful to obey His commands.
Lessons from Jeremiah 36
- The Importance of Writing Down God's Word — This chapter teaches us the importance of preserving God's word in written form, so it can be remembered and passed down to future generations. As seen in Jeremiah 36:2-3, God's word is comprehensive and authoritative.
- The Danger of Rejecting God's Word — The chapter warns us about the dangers of rejecting God's word, which can lead to serious consequences. Jeremiah 36:23 describes the king's actions and their consequences.
- The Perseverance of God's Word — The chapter shows how God's word endures forever, despite the rejection of the king. Jeremiah 36:32 highlights the perseverance of God's word.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches the importance of obeying God's commands and trusting in His goodness. As seen in Jeremiah 36:1-3, God's word is the source of all truth and wisdom, and we must be careful to obey His commands.
- The Role of Prophets and Scribes — The chapter highlights the important role of prophets and scribes in preserving and proclaiming God's word. Jeremiah 36:4-8 describes the role of Jeremiah and Baruch in writing down God's word.
Themes from Jeremiah 36
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the preservation of His word. As seen in Jeremiah 36:1-3, God's word is the source of all truth and wisdom.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches the importance of obeying God's commands and trusting in His goodness. Jeremiah 36:1-3 describes the importance of obedience to God's word.
- The Perseverance of God's Word — The chapter shows how God's word endures forever, despite the rejection of the king. Jeremiah 36:32 highlights the perseverance of God's word.
- The Role of Prophets and Scribes — The chapter highlights the important role of prophets and scribes in preserving and proclaiming God's word. Jeremiah 36:4-8 describes the role of Jeremiah and Baruch in writing down God's word.
- The Danger of Rejecting God's Word — The chapter warns us about the dangers of rejecting God's word, which can lead to serious consequences. Jeremiah 36:23 describes the king's actions and their consequences.
Questions for Meditation
- What is your response to God's word, and how do you prioritize it in your life?
- How do you handle rejection or criticism when sharing God's word with others?
- What are some ways you can persevere in proclaiming God's message, despite opposition or challenges?
- How does this chapter challenge you to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty?
- What are some practical ways you can apply the teachings of this chapter to your daily life?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Command to Write Down God's Word (Jeremiah 36:1-4)
| 36:1 | God commands Jeremiah to write down all His words, which Baruch does. This verse highlights the importance of preserving God's word in written form. |
| 36:2 | Jeremiah dictates all the words of the Lord to Baruch, who writes them down in a scroll. This verse describes the process of writing down God's word. |
2. The Reading of the Scroll (Jeremiah 36:5-10)
| 36:5 | Jeremiah commands Baruch to read the scroll to the people. This verse shows the initial reception of God's word by the people. |
| 36:6 | Baruch reads the scroll to the people, and they are afraid. This verse describes the people's response to God's word. |
3. The King's Rejection of God's Word (Jeremiah 36:11-26)
| 36:11 | The king rejects God's word and burns the scroll. This verse describes the king's actions and their consequences. |
| 36:12 | The king's servants are afraid, but the king does not listen. This verse shows the king's hardness of heart. |
4. The Rewriting of the Scroll (Jeremiah 36:27-32)
| 36:27 | God commands Jeremiah to rewrite the scroll, and Baruch does. This verse highlights the perseverance of God's word. |
| 36:28 | Jeremiah and Baruch rewrite the scroll, and God adds many more words to it. This verse describes the process of rewriting the scroll. |
5. The Punishment of the King (Jeremiah 36:33)
| 36:33 | The king is punished for rejecting God's word. This verse shows the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the scroll in this chapter?
The scroll represents God's word, which is the central theme of the chapter. As seen in Jeremiah 36:2-3, God's word is comprehensive and authoritative.
Why did King Jehoiakim reject God's word?
The chapter does not give a specific reason, but it suggests that the king was hardened in his sin and did not want to listen to God's warnings. Jeremiah 36:23 describes the king's actions and their consequences.
What is the result of rejecting God's word?
The chapter shows that rejecting God's word leads to serious consequences, including punishment and judgment. Jeremiah 36:23 describes the king's actions and their consequences.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 36:1 → Isaiah 8:1 | Both chapters describe the importance of writing down God's word. As seen in Jeremiah 36:1-3, God's word is the source of all truth and wisdom. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 36:2 → Matthew 24:35 | Both verses emphasize the importance of preserving God's word. Jeremiah 36:2 describes the process of writing down God's word. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 36:4 → 2 Peter 1:21 | Both chapters describe the process of writing down God's word. Jeremiah 36:4-8 describes the role of Jeremiah and Baruch in writing down God's word. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 36:11 → Acts 7:51 | Both verses describe the rejection of God's word by stubborn and hardened hearts. Jeremiah 36:11 describes the king's actions and their consequences. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 36:17 → Luke 1:1-4 | Both passages describe the importance of careful and accurate transmission of God's word. Jeremiah 36:17 highlights the importance of preserving God's word. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 36:23 → Hebrews 10:26-31 | Both verses warn about the dangers of rejecting God's word and the consequences of disobedience. Jeremiah 36:23 describes the king's actions and their consequences. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 36:27 → Psalm 119:89 | Both verses emphasize the perseverance of God's word despite human rejection. Jeremiah 36:27 highlights the perseverance of God's word. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 36:32 → Revelation 22:18-19 | Both verses describe the importance of preserving and transmitting God's word accurately. Jeremiah 36:32 highlights the perseverance of God's word. |
Sermons on Jeremiah 36
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Pastor Wilkinson calls on the congregation to come forward and seek deliverance and strength from the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and ke |
|
Governed by the Word of God 2 of 2 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his concern about young ministers and people who preach without fully relying on the Word of God. He emphasizes the importance of preaching t |
|
Pen Knife Christians by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by thanking those who have been working on a project to change the choir robes and carpets in the church. He then moves on to the main topic of |
|
Daniel, a Role Model by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution. He references the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego f |
|
Election by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning Scripture into practical discourse under the influence of God's Spirit. He encourages the audience to set aside th |
|
(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 3. the Message of Elihu by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Job and its various chapters. He highlights how Job's friends were amazed and stopped speaking, allowing Job to finally have a ch |
|
(Guidelines) Preservation by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses one of the external proofs of the Bible's authenticity, which is its remarkable preservation throughout history. He mentions instances where |
|
The Lord Tests the Righteous by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of losing his sermon transcript and how he believes God allowed it to happen because the words were not strong enough. He t |
|
(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 36-40 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his concern for those who reject God's truth and continue in their sinful ways. He emphasizes the importance of listening to God's warnings an |
|
(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 41-45 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's timing rather than relying on our own limited perspective. He shares personal experiences of feeling like |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 36
In this chapter, we see the importance of preserving God's word in written form, as Jeremiah dictates all the words of the Lord to Baruch, who writes them down in a scroll. The king's rejection of God's word is a solemn warning to us all, and we must be careful to obey God's commands and trust in His goodness. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The word of God is not a mere letter, but a living and powerful thing, which pierces to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit.' The chapter also highlights the perseverance of God's word, despite the rejection of the king, and the importance of careful and accurate transmission of God's word. As seen in Jeremiah 36:1-3, God's word is the source of all truth and wisdom, and we must be careful to obey His commands and trust in His goodness. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Writing Down God's Word
The chapter highlights the importance of preserving God's word in written form, so it can be remembered and passed down to future generations. This is seen in Jeremiah 36:2-3, where Jeremiah dictates all the words of the Lord to Baruch, who writes them down in a scroll.
The Rejection of God's Word
The chapter describes the rejection of God's word by King Jehoiakim, which has serious consequences. This rejection is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands. As seen in Jeremiah 36:23, the king's rejection of God's word leads to further judgment.
The Perseverance of God's Word
Despite the rejection of God's word by the king, the chapter shows how God's word endures forever. Jeremiah and Baruch rewrite the scroll, and God adds many more words to it, emphasizing the perseverance of His message. This is seen in Jeremiah 36:32, where Jeremiah and Baruch rewrite the scroll.







