Jeremiah 36:6

so you are to go to the house of the LORD on a day of fasting, and in the hearing of the people you are to read the words of the LORD from the scroll you have written at my dictation. Read them in the hearing of all the people of Judah who are coming from their cities.

Study Bible

So you are to go
This phrase indicates a direct command, emphasizing obedience and action. The Hebrew root for "go" is "halak," which often implies a journey or a purposeful movement. In the context of Jeremiah, it signifies the prophet's unwavering commitment to God's instructions, despite the potential risks involved. This command reflects the urgency and importance of delivering God's message to the people.

and read from the scroll
The act of reading from a scroll highlights the importance of the written word in preserving and conveying divine messages. Scrolls were the primary medium for recording texts in ancient times, and their use here underscores the permanence and authority of God's word. The Hebrew term for "scroll" is "megillah," which signifies a rolled document, often used for sacred writings. This emphasizes the sacredness and solemnity of the task at hand.

which you have written at my dictation
This phrase underscores the divine origin of the message. Jeremiah did not write of his own accord but transcribed the words as dictated by God. The process of dictation ensures the accuracy and authenticity of the message, highlighting the role of the prophet as a faithful scribe of divine revelation. This reflects the belief in the inspiration of Scripture, where human authors are guided by the Holy Spirit.

the words of the LORD
This phrase affirms the divine authority of the message. The Hebrew term for "LORD" is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. The "words of the LORD" are not mere human opinions but carry the weight and authority of God Himself. This underscores the seriousness with which the message should be received and heeded by the people.

in the hearing of the people
The public proclamation of God's word is a central theme in prophetic ministry. The phrase "in the hearing" suggests an active engagement with the audience, ensuring that the message is not only spoken but also received and understood. This public reading serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

in the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites. This location is significant as it represents God's presence among His people. Reading the scroll in the temple underscores the sacredness of the message and its relevance to the spiritual life of the nation. It is a call to return to true worship and obedience to God.

on a day of fasting
Fasting in the Hebrew tradition is a time of humility, repentance, and seeking God's favor. The choice of a fasting day for the reading of the scroll indicates a time when the people's hearts are more open to introspection and change. It is an opportune moment for the message to penetrate deeply, urging the people to turn back to God with sincerity and devotion.

You shall also read them in the hearing of all the people of Judah
This reiteration of the command to read the scroll emphasizes the inclusivity of the message. It is not limited to a select group but is intended for all of Judah. The repetition underscores the importance of ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to hear and respond to God's word, highlighting the universal call to repentance and renewal.

who come from their cities
This phrase indicates the gathering of people from various regions, suggesting a communal and national response to the message. It reflects the interconnectedness of the people of Judah and the collective responsibility to heed God's call. The gathering from different cities symbolizes unity and the shared identity of the people as God's chosen nation, called to live according to His statutes.

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. Baruch
The scribe and faithful companion of Jeremiah, tasked with writing down the words of the LORD as dictated by Jeremiah.

3. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and gathering for the people of Judah.

4. Day of Fasting
A time set aside for repentance, prayer, and seeking God, often marked by abstaining from food.

5. The People of Judah
The audience for the reading of the scroll, representing the nation that had turned away from God and was facing impending judgment.

Teaching Points

The Power of God's Word
God's Word, when read and heard, has the power to convict, transform, and guide His people. Just as Baruch read the scroll to the people, we should prioritize the public reading and teaching of Scripture in our communities.

The Role of Obedience
Baruch's obedience to Jeremiah's instructions is a model for us. We are called to faithfully carry out God's commands, even when it may be challenging or unpopular.

The Importance of Repentance
The setting of a day of fasting underscores the need for repentance. True repentance involves turning away from sin and turning towards God, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.

Community and Accountability
The gathering of the people of Judah to hear the Word highlights the importance of community in our spiritual lives. We are called to gather together, hold each other accountable, and encourage one another in our walk with God.

The Urgency of the Message
The urgency with which Jeremiah and Baruch delivered God's message serves as a reminder of the urgency with which we should share the Gospel. The time to respond to God's call is now.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Baruch as a scribe and messenger challenge us in our own responsibility to share God's Word with others?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the public reading of Scripture into our personal and communal worship practices today?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the power of God's Word in your life. How did it lead to transformation or change?

4. How can we ensure that our times of fasting and prayer are genuine and aligned with God's desires, as described in Isaiah 58?

5. What steps can we take to foster a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel with those around us, following the example of Jeremiah and Baruch?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 22-23
The account of King Josiah's reforms after the Book of the Law was found and read, highlighting the power of God's Word to bring about repentance and change.

Nehemiah 8
The public reading of the Law by Ezra, which led to a revival among the people, demonstrating the importance of hearing and understanding God's Word.

Isaiah 58
Discusses true fasting, emphasizing that it should be accompanied by genuine repentance and a heart turned towards God, aligning with the context of Jeremiah 36:6.