Jeremiah 36:32

Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah, and at Jeremiah's dictation he wrote on it all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them.

Study Bible

Then Jeremiah took another scroll
Jeremiah, a major prophet, is instructed by God to take another scroll after the first was destroyed. This act signifies the enduring nature of God's word, which cannot be extinguished by human actions. Scrolls were the primary medium for writing during this period, made from papyrus or parchment, emphasizing the labor-intensive process of recording God's messages.

and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah
Baruch, a faithful scribe and companion of Jeremiah, plays a crucial role in documenting the prophet's messages. Scribes were essential in ancient times for recording and preserving important texts. Baruch's lineage, being the son of Neriah, suggests a family of some standing, possibly with connections to the temple or royal court, highlighting the importance of his role.

and at Jeremiah’s dictation he wrote on it all the words of the scroll
This phrase underscores the divine inspiration of the scriptures, as Jeremiah dictates the words given by God. The process of dictation and transcription ensures the accuracy and preservation of the prophetic message. This mirrors the process by which many biblical texts were composed, emphasizing the collaborative effort between prophet and scribe.

that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire
King Jehoiakim's act of burning the scroll represents a rejection of God's word and a defiance of divine authority. This historical event reflects the political and spiritual climate of Judah at the time, where leaders often resisted prophetic warnings. The burning of the scroll is a symbolic act of rebellion against God, yet it also sets the stage for the reaffirmation of His word.

And many similar words were added to them
The addition of "many similar words" indicates that God's message is not only preserved but expanded. This suggests that the destruction of the first scroll did not hinder the prophetic mission but rather enriched it. Theologically, this can be seen as a testament to God's sovereignty and the inexhaustible nature of His revelation. The expansion of the message may also include further warnings, promises, or insights relevant to the people of Judah, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of God's communication through His prophets.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often warning them of impending judgment due to their disobedience.

2. Baruch son of Neriah
Jeremiah's faithful scribe and companion, who played a crucial role in recording and preserving Jeremiah's prophecies.

3. Jehoiakim, King of Judah
The king who rejected God's word by burning the scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies, symbolizing his defiance against God's warnings.

4. The Scroll
Represents the written word of God, initially destroyed by Jehoiakim but rewritten by Baruch under Jeremiah's dictation, signifying the indestructibility and perseverance of God's word.

5. The Fire
Symbolizes the attempt to destroy God's message, which ultimately fails as God's word is preserved and even expanded.

Teaching Points

The Indestructibility of God's Word
Despite human efforts to suppress or destroy it, God's word remains eternal and unchanging. This should encourage believers to trust in the reliability and permanence of Scripture.

The Role of Faithful Servants
Like Baruch, believers are called to faithfully preserve and proclaim God's word, even in the face of opposition or danger.

The Consequences of Rejecting God's Word
Jehoiakim's actions serve as a warning of the spiritual peril that comes from rejecting divine revelation. Believers should heed God's word with reverence and obedience.

God's Sovereignty in Revelation
God's message will be delivered and fulfilled regardless of human resistance. This underscores the sovereignty of God in ensuring His purposes are accomplished.

The Expansion of Revelation
The addition of "many similar words" to the rewritten scroll suggests that God's revelation is not only preserved but can also be expanded to address new circumstances and needs.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Jehoiakim's rejection of the scroll challenge us to examine our own response to God's word?

2. In what ways can we emulate Baruch's faithfulness in preserving and sharing God's message in our own lives?

3. How does the indestructibility of God's word provide comfort and assurance in times of spiritual or cultural opposition?

4. What lessons can we learn from the contrast between Jehoiakim's and Josiah's responses to God's word?

5. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty in revelation to our understanding of current events and personal challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 22-23
The account of King Josiah, Jehoiakim's predecessor, who responded to the discovery of the Book of the Law with repentance and reform, contrasting Jehoiakim's rejection of God's word.

Isaiah 40:8
Emphasizes the enduring nature of God's word, which stands forever despite human attempts to suppress it.

Matthew 24:35
Jesus affirms the eternal nature of His words, echoing the theme of the indestructibility of divine revelation.