Jeremiah 36:12

he went down to the scribe's chamber in the king's palace, where all the officials were sitting: Elishama the scribe, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials.

Study Bible

he went down to the scribe’s chamber in the king’s palace
The scribe's chamber was a significant location within the king's palace, serving as a center for record-keeping and administration. This setting underscores the importance of the events unfolding, as it was a place where official documents were handled. The palace, likely in Jerusalem, was the heart of Judah's political and religious life, emphasizing the gravity of Jeremiah's message being brought to the attention of the nation's leaders.

where all the officials were sitting
The presence of officials indicates a formal gathering, possibly a council or meeting. These officials were influential figures in the kingdom, responsible for advising the king and implementing policies. Their presence highlights the seriousness of the situation, as the words of Jeremiah were being scrutinized by those in power.

Elishama the scribe
Elishama held a prominent position as a scribe, responsible for recording and preserving important documents. Scribes were educated and respected, often serving as intermediaries between the king and the people. Elishama's involvement suggests that the message was being given due consideration and was being officially documented.

Delaiah son of Shemaiah
Delaiah's mention, along with his lineage, indicates his status and possibly his family's influence. Lineage was important in ancient Israel, often determining one's role and authority. His presence signifies the involvement of established families in the governance of Judah.

Elnathan son of Achbor
Elnathan is noted elsewhere in scripture as a figure involved in significant political events (2 Kings 24:8). His father's name, Achbor, suggests a family with a history of service to the monarchy. Elnathan's role in this context points to the interconnectedness of political and prophetic events in Judah.

Gemariah son of Shaphan
Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, is part of a family known for its reformist tendencies, as Shaphan was involved in King Josiah's reforms (2 Kings 22:3-14). This connection may imply a sympathetic ear towards Jeremiah's message, as his family had a history of supporting religious reform.

Zedekiah son of Hananiah
Zedekiah's mention, along with his father's name, provides insight into the political landscape of the time. Hananiah is a name associated with other biblical figures, and Zedekiah's role here may reflect the complex dynamics between prophetic messages and political power.

and all the other officials
The inclusion of "all the other officials" suggests a comprehensive assembly of the kingdom's leadership. This phrase emphasizes the collective responsibility and potential impact of the decisions made by these leaders in response to Jeremiah's prophetic message.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elishama the Scribe
A royal scribe, likely responsible for recording and preserving important documents. His presence indicates the official nature of the events.

2. Delaiah son of Shemaiah
An official in the king's court, possibly a counselor or advisor, representing the political and administrative structure of Judah.

3. Elnathan son of Achbor
Another official, previously mentioned in Jeremiah as having a role in bringing the prophet Uriah back to King Jehoiakim, indicating his influence and authority.

4. Gemariah son of Shaphan
A scribe and son of Shaphan, who was a supporter of Jeremiah, suggesting a possible ally within the court.

5. Zedekiah son of Hananiah
An official whose presence underscores the involvement of the king's advisors in the unfolding events.

6. The Scribe’s Chamber
Located in the king’s palace, this was a place where official documents were read and recorded, highlighting the formal setting of the account.

Teaching Points

The Importance of God's Word in Governance
The presence of officials and scribes highlights the role of God's word in guiding national leadership. Believers should advocate for biblical principles in governance.

Courage in Delivering God's Message
Baruch's reading of Jeremiah's words to the officials demonstrates courage. Christians are called to boldly proclaim God's truth, even in challenging environments.

The Influence of Godly Heritage
Gemariah's connection to Shaphan suggests the impact of a godly legacy. Families should strive to pass down faith and biblical values to future generations.

The Role of Scribes and Record Keepers
The scribes' chamber signifies the importance of preserving God's word. Believers should prioritize studying and safeguarding Scripture in their lives.

Discernment in Leadership
The varied responses of the officials remind us of the need for discernment in leadership. Christians should pray for leaders to seek and heed God's guidance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the setting of the scribe's chamber in the king's palace influence the significance of the events in Jeremiah 36:12?

2. In what ways can we see the impact of a godly heritage in the lives of the individuals mentioned in this passage?

3. How does the courage of Baruch in delivering Jeremiah's message inspire us to share God's word in our own contexts?

4. What lessons can we learn from the involvement of government officials in the dissemination of God's word, and how can we apply these lessons today?

5. How can we ensure that we are preserving and prioritizing God's word in our personal and communal lives, similar to the role of the scribes in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 36:1-11
Provides context for the events in verse 12, detailing how Jeremiah dictated God's words to Baruch, who then read them to the people, leading to the officials' involvement.

2 Kings 22:3-14
Describes Shaphan, Gemariah's father, who played a role in the discovery of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign, showing a family history of engagement with God's word.

Jeremiah 26:20-23
Mentions Elnathan's involvement in the capture of the prophet Uriah, illustrating the political dynamics and risks faced by prophets.