Jeremiah 36: The Scroll Burned by King Jehoiakim

Short answer: Jeremiah 36 describes how God instructed Jeremiah to write a scroll of His message to Judah. The scroll was read publicly, but the king burned it, showing his rejection of God's warnings.

What Jeremiah 36 says

In the fourth year of Jehoiakim's reign, God told Jeremiah to write all His words on a scroll (verse 1). Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, wrote the message from Jeremiah's mouth (verse 4). Jeremiah could not go to the temple, so he instructed Baruch to read the scroll to the people on a fast day (verse 6). This was an opportunity for the people to repent and turn back to God (verse 3).

On the fifth year of Jehoiakim's reign, in the ninth month, the people of Judah fasted before the Lord (verse 9). Baruch read the scroll in the temple, in the room of Gemariah the scribe (verse 10). Micaiah, who heard the reading, brought the message to the princes in the king's house (verse 11). The princes then sent for Baruch and heard the scroll read in their presence (verse 14).

After hearing the words, the princes were afraid and decided to inform the king (verse 16). They questioned Baruch about how he wrote the scroll, and he explained that Jeremiah dictated it to him (verse 18). The princes then told Baruch and Jeremiah to hide, fearing for their lives (verse 19). They went to the king, who had the scroll read to him in the winter house (verse 20).

The king, upon hearing the scroll, burned it in the fire before him (verse 23). He and his servants showed no fear, and the princes tried to stop him, but he refused to listen (verse 25). The king then ordered the arrest of Baruch and Jeremiah, but God protected them (verse 26). God then told Jeremiah to write the words again, this time adding more to the scroll (verse 28).

Verses that carry the chapter

• “In the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying,” (Jeremiah 36:1) — This verse marks the beginning of a divine commission to record God's message to Israel, showing His desire for repentance and restoration.
• “It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I intend to do to them; that they may each return from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.”” (Jeremiah 36:3) — This verse reveals God's hope that the people might return from their evil ways and be forgiven, showing His mercy and willingness to relent.
• “When Jehudi had read three or four leaves, the king cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier.” (Jeremiah 36:23) — This verse shows the king's immediate rejection of God's word, as he burns the scroll without hesitation, demonstrating his hardened heart.
• ““Take again another scroll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah has burned.” (Jeremiah 36:28) — This verse shows God's command to Jeremiah to write the words again, emphasizing the importance of His message and the need for it to be preserved.

Gospel connection

Jeremiah 36 reflects the broader biblical theme of God's persistent call for repentance and His willingness to forgive. Despite the people's repeated rejection, God continues to speak through His prophets, showing His grace and mercy. The king's destruction of the scroll mirrors the human tendency to reject God's truth, yet God's message endures. This chapter also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan through Jesus Christ, who came to reveal the truth and offer salvation to all who would listen.

Application

This chapter calls us to listen to God's word with humility and obedience, even when it is difficult to hear. It also challenges us to consider how we respond to God's warnings and whether we allow His truth to shape our lives. We are reminded that God's message is not easily silenced, and that He continues to speak to His people through His Word, even in the face of opposition.

Biblical fidelity check

This chapter does not provide historical details beyond what is recorded in the text. It does not mention the specific content of the scroll beyond God's message to Judah. It does not describe the personal lives of Baruch or the princes, nor does it explain the political situation in Judah beyond what is necessary for the narrative. The text is silent on the long-term consequences of the king's actions beyond the immediate destruction of the scroll.

Questions for study

1. Why did God instruct Jeremiah to write all His words on a scroll?
2. What was the purpose of reading the scroll to the people on a fast day?
3. How did the king react when he heard the words of the scroll?
4. What does the king's burning of the scroll reveal about his heart?
5. Why did God command Jeremiah to write the words again after the scroll was destroyed?

Keep reading

Related studies: Jeremiah 1 Bible Study, Jeremiah 10 Bible Study, Jeremiah 11 Bible Study, Jeremiah 12 Bible Study.

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FAQ

Why did Baruch write the scroll?

Baruch wrote the scroll at Jeremiah's instruction, as God had commanded Jeremiah to record all His words to Israel and Judah.

What happened to the scroll after it was read to the king?

The king burned the scroll in the fire before him, showing his rejection of God's message.

Why did God tell Jeremiah to write the scroll again?

God told Jeremiah to write the scroll again to preserve His message and to continue His call for repentance, even after the king's rejection.