Jeremiah 36:15

"Please sit down," they said, "and read it in our hearing." So Baruch read it in their hearing.

Study Bible

Sit down, please, and read it to us
Sit down, please
This phrase indicates a posture of attentiveness and respect. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, sitting was often a position of learning and listening, as opposed to standing, which was more associated with action or authority. The request to "sit down" suggests a readiness to receive and consider the message being read. It reflects a moment of humility and openness, which is essential when approaching the Word of God. The Hebrew root for "sit" (יָשַׁב, yashab) often implies dwelling or abiding, suggesting that the listeners are not just physically sitting but are also mentally and spiritually preparing to dwell on the words they are about to hear.

and read it to us
The act of reading aloud was a common practice in ancient times, especially since literacy was not widespread. This phrase underscores the communal aspect of receiving God's word. The scrolls were often read aloud in public gatherings, allowing the community to hear and understand the message collectively. The Hebrew word for "read" (קָרָא, qara) can also mean to call out or proclaim, emphasizing the authoritative and declarative nature of the act. This public reading signifies the importance of the message and the need for it to be heard by all. It also highlights the role of the reader as a mediator of God's word, entrusted with the responsibility to convey it accurately and faithfully.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Baruch
The scribe and faithful companion of the prophet Jeremiah. He played a crucial role in documenting and delivering Jeremiah's prophecies.

2. The Officials
These were the leaders and officials of Judah who requested Baruch to read the scroll. They were responsible for governance and were interested in hearing the words of the prophet.

3. The Scroll
This was a written document containing the words of the Lord as given to Jeremiah, which Baruch had transcribed. It was a medium through which God's message was communicated to the people.

4. Jeremiah
The prophet who received the word of the Lord and instructed Baruch to write it down. He was a major prophet in Judah during a time of impending judgment.

5. The Chamber
The setting where Baruch read the scroll to the officials, indicating a formal and serious occasion for the reading of God's word.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Scripture
Just as Baruch read the scroll to the officials, we must prioritize reading and understanding God's word in our lives.

Faithful Service
Baruch's obedience to Jeremiah's instructions demonstrates the importance of serving faithfully in the roles God has given us.

The Power of God's Word
The officials' request to hear the scroll shows that God's word has the power to draw people in and demand attention.

Community Engagement with Scripture
The communal reading of the scroll highlights the importance of engaging with Scripture together as a community of believers.

Responsiveness to God's Message
The officials' willingness to listen to the scroll challenges us to be open and responsive to God's message in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Baruch's role as a scribe and his obedience to Jeremiah's instructions?

2. How does the reading of the scroll to the officials in Jeremiah 36 compare to other instances of public Scripture reading in the Bible?

3. In what ways can we prioritize the reading and understanding of Scripture in our daily lives?

4. How does the communal aspect of reading Scripture, as seen in Jeremiah 36, influence our approach to Bible study and worship today?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are responsive and open to God's message, as the officials were when they requested to hear the scroll?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 22
The account of King Josiah and the rediscovery of the Book of the Law parallels the reading of the scroll in Jeremiah 36, highlighting the power of God's word to convict and guide leaders.

Acts 8
The account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch shows the importance of reading and understanding Scripture, similar to how Baruch read the scroll to the officials.

Nehemiah 8
Ezra reading the Law to the people of Israel mirrors Baruch's reading, emphasizing the communal aspect of engaging with God's word.