Jeremiah 36:13

And Micaiah reported to them all the words he had heard Baruch read from the scroll in the hearing of the people.

Study Bible

Then Micaiah reported
The name "Micaiah" means "Who is like Yahweh?" in Hebrew, reflecting a common practice of embedding the name of God within personal names, signifying a connection or dedication to God. Micaiah's role as a reporter here is crucial, as he acts as a conduit for God's message. In a historical context, this reflects the importance of oral tradition and the transmission of divine messages through chosen individuals. Micaiah's faithfulness in reporting underscores the responsibility of believers to share God's word accurately and without alteration.

to them all the words
The phrase "all the words" emphasizes the completeness and integrity of the message. In Hebrew, "words" (דְּבָרִים, devarim) often signifies not just spoken words but also matters or things of importance. This highlights the gravity of the message being conveyed. Theologically, it underscores the belief that every word of God is purposeful and should be communicated in its entirety, reflecting the conservative Christian view of the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture.

he had heard Baruch read
Baruch, whose name means "blessed," was a scribe and a faithful companion of Jeremiah. His role in reading the scroll signifies the importance of literacy and the written word in preserving and disseminating God's messages. Historically, scribes were vital in ancient societies for recording and maintaining important documents. Baruch's reading of the scroll to the people illustrates the communal aspect of receiving God's word, where hearing and reading are acts of worship and obedience.

from the scroll
The "scroll" (מְגִלָּה, megillah) was the primary medium for written documents in ancient times, made from papyrus or parchment. The use of a scroll signifies the permanence and authority of the message contained within. In a scriptural context, the scroll represents the written word of God, which is to be revered and preserved. This aligns with the conservative Christian emphasis on the Bible as the authoritative and unchanging word of God.

in the hearing of the people
The phrase "in the hearing of the people" indicates that the message was delivered publicly, ensuring that it reached a wide audience. This public proclamation is significant in a historical context, as it reflects the prophetic tradition of addressing the community directly. It underscores the importance of communal engagement with Scripture, where the word of God is not just for private reflection but for public edification and accountability. This aligns with the conservative Christian belief in the transformative power of God's word when it is proclaimed and heard within the community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Micaiah
The son of Gemariah, who was a scribe in the court of King Jehoiakim. Micaiah played a crucial role in conveying the message of the scroll to the officials.

2. Baruch
The scribe and faithful companion of the prophet Jeremiah. He was responsible for writing down Jeremiah's prophecies and reading them to the people.

3. The Scroll
A written document containing the words of the Lord as given to Jeremiah. It was read publicly to convey God's message to the people of Judah.

4. The People
The audience who heard the reading of the scroll. Their reaction and the subsequent events highlight the importance of receiving and responding to God's word.

5. The Officials
The leaders and scribes in the court of King Jehoiakim who were informed by Micaiah about the contents of the scroll.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Faithful Messengers
Micaiah and Baruch exemplify the role of faithful messengers who convey God's word accurately. We are called to be diligent in sharing God's truth with others.

The Power of God's Word
The scroll represents the living and active word of God. It has the power to convict, instruct, and transform lives when received with an open heart.

Responsibility to Respond
Hearing God's word demands a response. Like the officials who took action upon hearing the scroll, we must also respond to God's message in our lives.

Courage in Proclaiming Truth
Baruch's courage in reading the scroll publicly, despite potential danger, challenges us to boldly proclaim God's truth in our own contexts.

The Role of Community in Understanding Scripture
Micaiah's report to the officials underscores the importance of community in discerning and applying God's word. We benefit from discussing and studying Scripture together.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Micaiah's role in Jeremiah 36:13 inspire us to be faithful in sharing God's word with others?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are responding appropriately to the messages we receive from Scripture?

3. How does the reaction of the officials to the reading of the scroll challenge us to take God's word seriously in our own lives?

4. What can we learn from Baruch's example about the courage needed to proclaim God's truth in difficult situations?

5. How can we foster a community that values and prioritizes the study and application of Scripture, similar to the officials' response in Jeremiah 36?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 36:1-32
Provides the broader context of the chapter, detailing the process of how the scroll was written, read, and the reaction of King Jehoiakim.

2 Kings 22:8-13
Similar to the discovery of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign, highlighting the importance of rediscovering and responding to God's word.

Acts 17:11
The Bereans' noble character in receiving the word with eagerness and examining the Scriptures daily, paralleling the importance of attentively listening to God's message.