36:9-19 Shows of piety and devotion may be found even among those, who, though they keep up forms of godliness, are strangers and enemies to the power of it. The princes patiently attended the reading of the whole book. They were in great fear. But even those who are convinced to the truth and importance of what they hear, and are disposed to favour those who preach it, often have difficulties and reserves about their safety, interest, or preferment, so that they do not act according to their convictions, and try to get rid of what they find troublesome.

10. chamber—Baruch read from the window or balcony of the chamber looking into the court where the people were assembled. However, some of the chambers were large enough to contain a considerable number (Ne 13:5).

Gemariah—distinct from the Gemariah, son of Hilkiah, in Jer 29:3.

Shaphan—the same person as in 2Ki 22:3.

scribe—secretary of state, or he who presided over the public records.

higher court—that of the priests, the court of the people being lower (2Ch 4:9).

new gate—(Jer 26:10). The east gate.