Jeremiah 36:29

You are to proclaim concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah that this is what the LORD says: You have burned the scroll and said, 'Why have you written on it that the king of Babylon would surely come and destroy this land and deprive it of man and beast?'

Study Bible

You are to proclaim concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah
Jeremiah is instructed to deliver a message specifically to Jehoiakim, the king of Judah. Jehoiakim reigned from 609 to 598 BC and was known for his disobedience to God. His reign was marked by political instability and spiritual decline. This proclamation highlights the role of prophets as God's messengers, often delivering difficult truths to those in power.

that this is what the LORD says:
The phrase underscores the authority of the message. It is not Jeremiah's own words but a divine message from God. This reflects the prophetic tradition where prophets serve as intermediaries between God and His people, emphasizing the seriousness and divine origin of the message.

You have burned the scroll
Jehoiakim's act of burning the scroll signifies his blatant rejection of God's word. The scroll contained prophecies of Jeremiah, warning of impending judgment. This act of destruction symbolizes a refusal to heed divine warnings and a hardening of the heart against God's instructions.

and said, ‘Why have you written on it
Jehoiakim questions the content of the scroll, indicating disbelief or disdain for the prophecy. This reflects a common human tendency to question or reject messages that challenge or threaten one's current state or power. It also shows a lack of reverence for the prophetic word.

that the king of Babylon would surely come
The prophecy foretells the invasion by Babylon, a rising power under King Nebuchadnezzar. Historically, Babylon was known for its military might and expansionist policies during this period. This prediction aligns with the geopolitical realities of the time, as Babylon was indeed a looming threat to Judah.

and destroy this land
The warning of destruction is a common theme in prophetic literature, often serving as a call to repentance. The land of Judah, central to the identity and faith of the Israelites, is at risk due to the nation's unfaithfulness. This destruction is both physical and spiritual, indicating the consequences of turning away from God.

and deprive it of man and beast?’
The complete desolation described here emphasizes the totality of the coming judgment. The loss of both human and animal life signifies a reversal of creation's order and blessings. This imagery is used to convey the severity of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often facing opposition and persecution.

2. Jehoiakim
The king of Judah who rejected God's word delivered through Jeremiah, demonstrating his rebellion by burning the scroll.

3. Baruch
Jeremiah's scribe who wrote down the words of the prophecy as dictated by Jeremiah.

4. The Scroll
The written record of Jeremiah's prophecies, which was burned by King Jehoiakim in an act of defiance against God's message.

5. Babylon
The empire prophesied to bring destruction upon Judah as a consequence of their disobedience to God.

Teaching Points

The Authority of God's Word
God's word stands firm regardless of human attempts to suppress or destroy it. Jehoiakim's act of burning the scroll did not negate the truth of the prophecy.

The Consequences of Rejecting God's Message
Jehoiakim's rejection of the prophecy led to the fulfillment of the very judgment he sought to avoid. Ignoring God's warnings can lead to dire consequences.

The Role of Prophets and Messengers
Jeremiah and Baruch's faithfulness in delivering God's message, despite opposition, serves as a model for believers to stand firm in proclaiming truth.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment and Redemption
The prophecy concerning Babylon underscores God's control over nations and history, using them to accomplish His purposes.

The Enduring Nature of God's Word
Despite physical destruction, God's word endures and continues to accomplish what He intends, as seen in the re-writing of the scroll.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoiakim's reaction to the scroll reflect common attitudes toward God's word today, and what can we learn from this?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not rejecting God's message in our own lives, even if it is difficult to accept?

3. How does the account of Jeremiah, Baruch, and the scroll encourage us to remain faithful in sharing God's truth, even in the face of opposition?

4. What are some modern "scrolls" or messages from God that people might be tempted to "burn" or ignore, and how should we respond?

5. How can we apply the lessons of God's sovereignty and the enduring nature of His word to current global events and personal challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 24
Provides historical context about Jehoiakim's reign and the political situation in Judah, including the Babylonian threat.

Jeremiah 25
Offers a broader picture of the prophecies concerning Babylon's role as an instrument of God's judgment.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
Highlights the importance of all Scripture as God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, contrasting Jehoiakim's rejection of God's word.

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