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.

12. scribe's chamber—an apartment in the palace occupied by the secretary of state.

princes—holding a counsel of state at the time.

Elnathan—who had already been an instrument of evil in Jehoiakim's hand (Jer 26:22, 23).

Hananiah—the false prophet (Jer 28:10-17).