Jeremiah 36:16

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."

Study Bible

When they heard all these words
This phrase indicates a moment of revelation and realization. The Hebrew root for "heard" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but understanding and internalizing. In the context of ancient Israel, hearing the words of a prophet was akin to receiving a direct message from God. The phrase suggests that the words spoken by Baruch, as dictated by Jeremiah, were powerful and convicting, resonating deeply with the listeners. This moment underscores the authority of God's word and its ability to penetrate the hearts of those who hear it.

they turned to one another in fear
The reaction of fear is significant. The Hebrew word for "fear" is "יָרֵא" (yare), which can denote a range of emotions from terror to reverence. In this context, it likely reflects a recognition of the seriousness of the message and the potential consequences of ignoring it. Historically, the people of Judah were facing imminent danger from Babylon, and the prophetic words would have been a stark reminder of their precarious situation. This fear is not just a reaction to impending doom but also a recognition of the divine authority behind the message.

and said to Baruch
Baruch, the scribe of Jeremiah, plays a crucial role as the intermediary between the prophet and the people. His presence in this narrative highlights the importance of faithful transmission of God's word. Baruch's role is reminiscent of the scribes and teachers in Israel who were responsible for preserving and teaching the law. His faithfulness in delivering the message, despite the potential danger, serves as an example of obedience and courage in the face of adversity.

Surely we must report all these words to the king
This decision to report to the king reflects a sense of duty and urgency. The phrase "we must" indicates a compelling obligation, suggesting that the words of the prophecy were too significant to be ignored or kept secret. In the historical context, the king held the power to influence the nation's response to prophetic warnings. The decision to inform the king underscores the gravity of the situation and the hope that the king might heed the warning and lead the nation in repentance. This action reflects a belief in the possibility of redemption and change, even in dire circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often warning them of impending judgment due to their disobedience.

2. Baruch
The scribe and faithful companion of Jeremiah, who wrote down the words of the prophecy as dictated by Jeremiah.

3. The Officials
A group of leaders in Judah who heard the words of the scroll and were struck with fear, recognizing the gravity of the message.

4. The King (Jehoiakim)
The reigning king of Judah at the time, who would later react to the reading of the scroll with hostility.

5. The Scroll
The written record of Jeremiah's prophecies, which Baruch read aloud to the officials, leading to their fearful response.

Teaching Points

The Power of God's Word
The officials' fear upon hearing the scroll highlights the inherent power and authority of God's word to convict and provoke a response.

Responsibility to Respond
The officials recognized the need to report the message to the king, illustrating our responsibility to act upon God's word and share it with others.

Fear of the Lord
Their fear underscores the importance of a reverent fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom and leads to repentance and obedience.

Faithful Service
Baruch's role as a scribe demonstrates the importance of faithfully serving God in whatever capacity He calls us, even in the face of potential danger.

God's Sovereignty
Despite human resistance, God's purposes will prevail, as seen in the eventual fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reaction of the officials to the reading of the scroll demonstrate the power of God's word in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not only hearers of the word but also doers, as the officials felt compelled to act upon what they heard?

3. How can we cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord in our daily walk, similar to the fear experienced by the officials?

4. What lessons can we learn from Baruch's faithful service in supporting Jeremiah's ministry, and how can we apply these lessons in our own service to God?

5. How does the account of Jeremiah 36 encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when His messages are met with resistance or hostility?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 22
The discovery of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign and the subsequent fear and repentance of the people parallels the fear of the officials upon hearing Jeremiah's scroll.

Acts 2
The reaction of the crowd at Pentecost, who were "cut to the heart" upon hearing Peter's message, mirrors the fear and conviction experienced by the officials.

Hebrews 4:12
The power of God's word to pierce the heart and bring conviction is evident in the officials' response to the reading of the scroll.