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 and write on it
In ancient times, scrolls were the primary medium for recording important texts. This command signifies the importance of preserving God's words for future generations. The act of writing on a scroll indicates the permanence and authority of the message. Scrolls were typically made from papyrus or parchment, materials that were durable and suitable for long-term storage.

all the words I have spoken to you
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the message. Jeremiah is instructed to record not his own thoughts, but the words given by God. This underscores the prophetic role of Jeremiah as a mouthpiece for God, ensuring that the message is not altered or lost over time. It highlights the comprehensive nature of God's communication with His prophet.

concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations
The scope of the message is broad, addressing not only the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah but also the surrounding nations. This reflects the universal sovereignty of God and His concern for all peoples. It also foreshadows the New Testament theme of the gospel being for all nations, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).

from the day I first spoke to you during the reign of Josiah
Jeremiah's prophetic ministry began during the reign of King Josiah, a time of significant religious reform in Judah (2 Kings 22-23). Josiah's efforts to restore true worship provide a backdrop for Jeremiah's messages, which often called the people back to covenant faithfulness. This historical context highlights the continuity of God's message through different periods and leaders.

until today
This phrase indicates the ongoing nature of God's revelation to Jeremiah. It suggests that the messages were not isolated incidents but part of a continuous dialogue between God and His prophet. This ongoing communication reflects God's persistent call to repentance and His desire for His people to return to Him. It also underscores the immediacy and relevance of the prophetic word for the present moment.

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.