Jeremiah 36:4

So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and at the dictation of Jeremiah, Baruch wrote on a scroll all the words that the LORD had spoken to Jeremiah.

Study Bible

So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah
The name "Jeremiah" is derived from the Hebrew "Yirmeyahu," meaning "Yahweh will exalt" or "Yahweh throws." Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. His calling was not just a personal mission but a divine appointment, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in choosing His messengers. "Baruch," meaning "blessed" in Hebrew, was a faithful scribe and assistant to Jeremiah. His lineage, "son of Neriah," suggests a family of some standing, as Neriah means "lamp of the Lord." This partnership between Jeremiah and Baruch highlights the importance of collaboration in ministry and the role of faithful service in fulfilling God's purposes.

and while Jeremiah dictated all the words the LORD had spoken to him
The act of dictation here underscores the divine origin of the message. Jeremiah did not speak on his own authority but conveyed the words of the LORD, "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This process of dictation and recording is a testament to the accuracy and reliability of Scripture, as it was not left to human memory but carefully transcribed. The phrase "all the words" indicates the completeness and sufficiency of God's revelation, leaving nothing out that was necessary for the people to hear. This reflects the belief in the inerrancy of Scripture, where every word is inspired and purposeful.

Baruch wrote them on a scroll
The act of writing on a "scroll" is significant in the ancient context. Scrolls were the primary medium for recording important documents, made from papyrus or parchment. This method of preservation ensured that the words of God could be read and re-read, studied, and passed down through generations. The role of Baruch as a scribe was crucial, as scribes were highly respected for their skill and precision in copying texts. This highlights the importance of preserving God's word accurately and the responsibility of those who handle it. The scroll symbolizes the enduring nature of God's message, meant to be a permanent record for His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in the face of opposition and his deep emotional connection to his prophetic mission.

2. Baruch son of Neriah
Jeremiah's scribe and faithful companion. Baruch played a crucial role in recording and preserving the words of God as spoken through Jeremiah.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates His will and messages through His prophets.

4. Scroll
The medium used in ancient times for writing and preserving important texts. In this context, it represents the written word of God as delivered through Jeremiah.

5. Dictation Event
The process by which Jeremiah, under divine inspiration, speaks the words of God, and Baruch transcribes them onto a scroll. This event underscores the importance of preserving God's word for future generations.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Scripture
The act of writing down God's words highlights the importance of Scripture as a permanent and authoritative record of God's communication with humanity.

Faithful Service
Baruch's role as a scribe demonstrates the value of supporting roles in ministry. Not everyone is called to be a prophet like Jeremiah, but every role is vital in God's plan.

Preservation of God's Word
The dictation and transcription process underscores the need to preserve God's word accurately for future generations, reminding us of the reliability and trustworthiness of Scripture.

Obedience to God's Command
Jeremiah's obedience in dictating God's words and Baruch's diligence in writing them down serve as examples of faithful adherence to God's instructions.

The Power of the Written Word
The written word has the power to transcend time and space, impacting lives long after it is recorded. This encourages us to engage deeply with Scripture in our own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the relationship between Jeremiah and Baruch illustrate the importance of teamwork in fulfilling God's mission?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are faithfully preserving and sharing God's word in our own lives and communities?

3. How does the process of dictation and transcription in Jeremiah 36:4 enhance our understanding of the inspiration and authority of Scripture?

4. What roles, similar to Baruch's, can we identify in our church or community, and how can we support those who serve in these capacities?

5. How can the example of Jeremiah and Baruch encourage us to be obedient to God's calling, even when it involves tasks that seem mundane or behind-the-scenes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Timothy 3:16-17
This passage highlights the divine inspiration of Scripture, similar to how Jeremiah's words were inspired by God and recorded by Baruch.

Exodus 24:4
Moses writes down all the words of the LORD, paralleling the act of recording divine revelation as seen with Jeremiah and Baruch.

Revelation 1:11
John is instructed to write down what he sees, emphasizing the importance of documenting divine revelation for the benefit of the church.