Jeremiah 36:22

Since it was the ninth month, the king was sitting in his winter quarters with a fire burning before him.

Study Bible

Since it was the ninth month
The ninth month in the Hebrew calendar is Kislev, which corresponds to November-December in the Gregorian calendar. This period is significant as it marks the onset of winter in the region, a time when the weather turns cold and harsh. The mention of the ninth month sets the scene for the events that unfold, emphasizing the urgency and gravity of the message Jeremiah had sent. Historically, this time of year would have been one of preparation and reflection, as the people would be gathering resources to endure the winter months. Spiritually, it can symbolize a time of introspection and readiness to receive God's word, even when circumstances seem bleak.

the king was sitting
The act of sitting, especially for a king, denotes a position of authority and judgment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a king sitting on his throne was a symbol of his rule and governance. Here, King Jehoiakim is depicted in a position of power, yet his actions in the subsequent verses reveal a heart hardened against God's message. This juxtaposition serves as a reminder that earthly authority is subject to divine authority, and that true wisdom and leadership come from heeding God's word.

in his winter quarters
Winter quarters refer to a place of warmth and shelter during the cold months. For a king, this would be a comfortable and secure environment, possibly a palace or a specially prepared room. The mention of winter quarters highlights the contrast between the physical comfort of the king and the spiritual discomfort he experiences upon hearing Jeremiah's scroll. It serves as a metaphor for the false security that earthly comforts can provide when one is spiritually distant from God.

with a fire burning before him
The fire burning before the king is both literal and symbolic. Literally, it provided warmth and light during the cold winter months. Symbolically, fire in the Bible often represents God's presence, judgment, and purification. In this context, the fire can be seen as a representation of the consuming nature of God's word, which Jehoiakim ultimately rejects by burning the scroll. This act of defiance against the divine message underscores the king's spiritual blindness and foreshadows the judgment that would come upon him and his kingdom. The fire, meant to provide comfort, becomes an instrument of rebellion, illustrating the tragic consequences of rejecting God's truth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Jehoiakim
The king of Judah during the time of Jeremiah. Known for his disregard for God's word, as demonstrated by his actions in this chapter.

2. Winter Quarters
The location where King Jehoiakim was sitting. This was likely a more comfortable and warm place during the cold months, indicating a time of relative ease and complacency for the king.

3. Fire Burning
Symbolic of warmth and comfort, but also of destruction, as it later becomes the means by which the king destroys the scroll containing God's word.

4. Jeremiah
The prophet who received God's word and had it written down by Baruch. He was not present in the king's quarters but was the source of the message.

5. Baruch
The scribe who wrote down Jeremiah's prophecies and read them to the people and officials, eventually leading to the reading before King Jehoiakim.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Complacency
Jehoiakim's setting in his winter quarters symbolizes a state of comfort and complacency. Believers must guard against becoming spiritually complacent, especially when in comfortable circumstances.

Reverence for God's Word
The king's actions demonstrate a lack of reverence for God's word. Christians are called to hold Scripture in high regard, recognizing its authority and power.

The Inevitability of God's Word
Despite Jehoiakim's attempt to destroy the scroll, God's word endures. Believers can trust in the eternal nature of Scripture and its ultimate fulfillment.

Contrast in Leadership
Comparing Jehoiakim with his father Josiah, we see the impact of leadership that honors God versus one that does not. This serves as a reminder of the influence leaders have on spiritual direction.

Responding to Conviction
Jehoiakim's rejection of the message contrasts with the appropriate response to God's conviction, which should be repentance and obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the setting of King Jehoiakim in his winter quarters reflect his spiritual state, and what can we learn from this about our own spiritual complacency?

2. In what ways does the account of Jehoiakim's response to God's word challenge us to examine our own reverence for Scripture?

3. How does the contrast between Jehoiakim and his father Josiah inform our understanding of the impact of godly leadership?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that we are not just hearers of the word, but doers, in light of Jehoiakim's rejection of the message?

5. How can we apply the truth of the enduring nature of God's word to our lives, especially when facing opposition or challenges to our faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 22-23
The account of King Josiah, Jehoiakim's father, who responded to the reading of God's law with repentance and reform, contrasting with Jehoiakim's response.

Psalm 119:105
Highlights the importance of God's word as a light and guide, contrasting with Jehoiakim's rejection of it.

Hebrews 4:12
Describes the power and living nature of God's word, which Jehoiakim attempted to destroy physically but could not nullify spiritually.