Context and Background

Baruch, the son of Neriah, is a significant figure in the Book of Jeremiah, serving as the prophet's scribe and faithful companion. The event of Baruch reading to the officials is recorded in Jeremiah 36, a chapter that highlights the importance of God's word and the resistance it often faces. This event takes place during the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, a time marked by political turmoil and spiritual decline.

The Command to Write

In the fourth year of Jehoiakim's reign, God instructs Jeremiah to take a scroll and write down all the words He has spoken concerning Israel, Judah, and the nations from the time of Josiah until that day (Jeremiah 36:2). Jeremiah, being confined and unable to go to the temple, dictates these words to Baruch, who writes them on a scroll (Jeremiah 36:4-5).

Baruch's Public Reading

Baruch is then instructed by Jeremiah to go to the temple on a day of fasting and read the words of the LORD to the people of Judah who come from their towns (Jeremiah 36:6). This public reading takes place in the chamber of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the upper court at the entrance of the New Gate of the LORD's house (Jeremiah 36:10).

Reaction of the Officials

Micaiah, the son of Gemariah, hears Baruch reading and reports the matter to the officials in the king's palace. The officials, including Elishama the scribe, Delaiah, Elnathan, Gemariah, and Zedekiah, summon Baruch to read the scroll to them (Jeremiah 36:11-14). Upon hearing the words, they are filled with fear and recognize the gravity of the message. They decide to inform the king but advise Baruch and Jeremiah to hide, understanding the potential danger from the king's reaction (Jeremiah 36:16-19).

The King's Response

The scroll is then read to King Jehoiakim by Jehudi. As Jehudi reads three or four columns, the king cuts them off with a scribe's knife and throws them into the firepot until the entire scroll is consumed by the fire (Jeremiah 36:23). Despite the warnings and pleas from some of the officials not to burn the scroll, the king shows blatant disregard for the word of God (Jeremiah 36:25).

Divine Recompense and Preservation of the Word

In response to the king's actions, the LORD commands Jeremiah to take another scroll and write all the words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim burned (Jeremiah 36:27-28). Furthermore, God pronounces judgment on Jehoiakim, declaring that he will have no one to sit on the throne of David, and his dead body will be exposed to the heat by day and frost by night (Jeremiah 36:30). Baruch writes on the new scroll all the words of the original, and many similar words are added (Jeremiah 36:32).

Significance

This event underscores the enduring nature of God's word, which cannot be destroyed by human hands. It also highlights the role of Baruch as a faithful scribe and the courage required to proclaim God's message in the face of opposition. The narrative serves as a reminder of the accountability of leaders to heed divine warnings and the consequences of rejecting God's word.