Jeremiah 36:2

"Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you during the reign of Josiah until today.

Study Bible

Take a scroll
The Hebrew word for "scroll" is "מְגִלָּה" (megillah), which refers to a rolled-up document made of papyrus or leather. In ancient times, scrolls were the primary medium for recording important texts. The act of taking a scroll signifies the importance and permanence of the message God is about to convey. It underscores the seriousness of the divine communication and the need for it to be preserved and disseminated. This command to Jeremiah highlights the transition from oral to written prophecy, ensuring that God's words would endure beyond the prophet's lifetime.

and write on it
The Hebrew verb "כָּתַב" (kathav) means "to write." Writing was a skill that required precision and care, especially when dealing with sacred texts. The instruction to write indicates the necessity of accuracy and the importance of the message. In a broader sense, this act of writing is a divine endorsement of the written word as a means of preserving and transmitting God's revelation. It also foreshadows the role of Scripture in the life of the believer, serving as a guide and a record of God's dealings with humanity.

all the words I have spoken to you
This phrase emphasizes the completeness and comprehensiveness of God's message. The Hebrew word for "words" is "דְּבָרִים" (devarim), which can also mean "matters" or "things." It signifies not just individual words but the entirety of God's communication. The phrase underscores the faithfulness of God in revealing His will and the responsibility of the prophet to convey it accurately. It also reflects the belief in the inspiration of Scripture, where every word is considered God-breathed and authoritative.

concerning Israel, Judah, and all the other nations
This highlights the scope of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. "Israel" and "Judah" refer to the divided kingdoms of God's chosen people, while "all the other nations" indicates the universal scope of God's sovereignty and concern. The inclusion of other nations demonstrates that God's message is not limited to Israel but extends to all humanity. This reflects the biblical theme of God's justice and mercy being available to all peoples, a precursor to the New Testament revelation of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

from the time I first spoke to you, during the reign of Josiah, until today
This phrase provides a historical context for Jeremiah's ministry. Josiah was a reforming king of Judah who sought to bring the nation back to the worship of Yahweh. The mention of Josiah's reign situates Jeremiah's prophecies within a specific timeframe, emphasizing the continuity and consistency of God's message over time. It also serves as a reminder of the prophet's long and faithful service, often in the face of opposition and hardship. This historical anchoring reinforces the reliability and authenticity of the prophetic word, as it is rooted in real events and circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He is known for his perseverance in delivering God's word despite opposition.

2. Baruch
Jeremiah's scribe who wrote down the words of the Lord as dictated by Jeremiah. He played a crucial role in preserving the prophetic messages.

3. Jehoiakim
The king of Judah during whose reign this event took place. He is known for his resistance to Jeremiah's prophecies and for burning the scroll.

4. Josiah
The former king of Judah, during whose reign Jeremiah began his prophetic ministry. Josiah was known for his reforms and efforts to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh.

5. The Scroll
A physical representation of God's word, which was to be written and read to the people, signifying the importance of recording and preserving divine revelation.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Scripture
God's command to write His words on a scroll underscores the importance of Scripture as a permanent and authoritative record of His will.

Preservation of God's Word
The act of writing ensures that God's messages are preserved for future generations, highlighting the enduring nature of His truth.

Obedience to God's Commands
Jeremiah's obedience in dictating God's words to Baruch serves as a model for our own obedience to God's instructions, even when faced with opposition.

The Role of Scribes and Recorders
Baruch's role as a scribe illustrates the importance of those who faithfully record and transmit God's word, a task that continues in various forms today.

The Power of God's Word
Despite King Jehoiakim's attempt to destroy the scroll, God's word remained powerful and effective, demonstrating that human efforts cannot thwart divine purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the instruction to write on a scroll in Jeremiah 36:2 reflect the importance of preserving God's word for future generations?

2. In what ways can we ensure that the teachings of Scripture are effectively communicated and preserved in our own lives and communities?

3. How does the role of Baruch as a scribe inform our understanding of the importance of those who work to preserve and disseminate God's word today?

4. What parallels can you draw between the opposition faced by Jeremiah and Baruch and the challenges faced by Christians today in sharing God's word?

5. How can the account of King Josiah's reforms inspire us to seek personal and communal renewal through engagement with Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 22-23
Relates to King Josiah's reforms and the rediscovery of the Book of the Law, highlighting the importance of written Scripture in guiding the people back to God.

Isaiah 30:8
Emphasizes the importance of writing down God's words for future generations, ensuring that His messages endure beyond the immediate audience.

Revelation 1:11
John is instructed to write down what he sees, similar to Jeremiah's instruction, underscoring the continuity of God's command to document His revelations.