Jeremiah 45:5

But as for you, do you seek great things for yourself? Stop seeking! For I will bring disaster on every living creature, declares the LORD, but wherever you go, I will grant your life as a spoil of war."

Study Bible

But as for you
This phrase is a direct address to Baruch, the scribe of Jeremiah. In Hebrew, the personal nature of this address emphasizes God's intimate knowledge of Baruch's heart and situation. It serves as a reminder that God sees and understands the individual amidst the broader narrative of judgment and prophecy. This personal attention from God is both comforting and convicting, reminding us that God is aware of our personal struggles and ambitions.

do you seek great things for yourself?
The Hebrew root for "seek" (בקש, baqash) implies a diligent pursuit or desire. This question challenges Baruch's motivations and ambitions. In the historical context, Baruch might have been tempted to seek personal advancement or recognition, especially as he was closely associated with the prophet Jeremiah. The phrase serves as a caution against self-centered ambitions, urging believers to examine their hearts and align their desires with God's will rather than personal gain.

Do not seek them
This command is a direct prohibition against pursuing personal glory or success. The repetition of the root "seek" underscores the seriousness of the warning. In a broader scriptural context, this echoes the biblical theme of humility and the call to prioritize God's kingdom over personal ambition (Matthew 6:33). It serves as a timeless reminder that true fulfillment and security come from God, not from worldly achievements.

For behold, I will bring disaster on all flesh
The word "behold" (הנה, hinneh) is an attention-grabbing term, often used in prophetic literature to signal the importance of the following statement. "Disaster" (רעה, ra'ah) refers to the impending judgment that God is about to unleash. The phrase "all flesh" indicates the universality of this judgment, emphasizing that no one is exempt from God's righteous decrees. This serves as a sobering reminder of God's sovereignty and the reality of divine judgment.

declares the LORD
This phrase is a prophetic formula that authenticates the message as coming directly from Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It underscores the authority and certainty of the prophecy. In the conservative Christian perspective, this reaffirms the belief in the inerrancy and divine inspiration of Scripture, reminding believers to heed God's word with reverence and obedience.

but I will grant you your life as a spoil of war
The imagery of "spoil of war" (שׁלל, shalal) suggests something taken as a prize or reward. In this context, God promises Baruch preservation amidst the coming calamity. This assurance highlights God's grace and protection for those who remain faithful, even when surrounded by chaos and destruction. It serves as an encouragement to trust in God's provision and faithfulness, regardless of external circumstances.

wherever you go
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's promise to Baruch. It assures him of divine protection and presence, no matter his location or situation. This reflects the biblical theme of God's omnipresence and His commitment to be with His people always (Joshua 1:9). For believers, it is a comforting reminder that God's care and guidance are not limited by geography or circumstance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Baruch
The scribe and faithful companion of the prophet Jeremiah, who recorded Jeremiah's prophecies and faced persecution alongside him.

2. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, warning them of impending judgment and calling them to repentance.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing imminent destruction and exile due to their disobedience to God.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Jeremiah to deliver a message of both judgment and hope.

5. Disaster on all flesh
Refers to the impending judgment and calamity that God is bringing upon the people due to their sin and rebellion.

Teaching Points

Contentment in God's Provision
Recognize that true fulfillment comes from God, not from seeking personal greatness or material success.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Understand that God is in control, even in times of disaster, and He promises to preserve those who trust in Him.

Focus on Eternal Values
Prioritize spiritual growth and service to God over worldly achievements and recognition.

Humility and Submission
Embrace a humble attitude, submitting personal ambitions to God's greater plan and purpose.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Like Baruch, remain faithful to God's calling, even when facing challenges or when personal desires are unmet.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Baruch's situation in Jeremiah 45:5 challenge our modern understanding of success and ambition?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking God's kingdom first, as seen in Matthew 6:33, to our daily lives?

3. How can Paul's teaching on contentment in Philippians 4:11-13 help us to stop seeking "great things" for ourselves?

4. What practical steps can we take to align our desires with God's will, as encouraged in James 4:13-16?

5. How does the promise of God granting life "like a spoil of war" provide hope and assurance in times of uncertainty or difficulty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 6:33
This verse emphasizes seeking God's kingdom and righteousness over personal gain, aligning with the message in Jeremiah 45:5 about not seeking great things for oneself.

Philippians 4:11-13
Paul speaks about contentment in all circumstances, which resonates with the call to stop seeking great things for oneself.

1 Timothy 6:6-10
Discusses the dangers of desiring wealth and the importance of godliness with contentment, paralleling the warning against seeking great things.

James 4:13-16
Warns against boasting about future plans and emphasizes reliance on God's will, similar to the message in Jeremiah 45:5.

Psalm 37:4
Encourages delighting in the Lord, who will give the desires of the heart, suggesting a focus on God rather than personal ambition.