Jeremiah 36:25

Even though Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them.

Study Bible

Even though Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll
Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah were officials in the court of King Jehoiakim. Their presence indicates that not all of the king's advisors supported his actions. Elnathan is mentioned elsewhere as a royal official (Jeremiah 26:22), suggesting he had some influence. Delaiah and Gemariah are less prominent but are noted here for their opposition to the king's decision. This phrase highlights the presence of a remnant within the leadership who respected God's word, reflecting the biblical theme of a faithful remnant (1 Kings 19:18). The scroll they urged the king not to burn contained the words of Jeremiah, which were a direct message from God. This act of urging the king shows their recognition of the divine authority of the prophetic word, a theme consistent throughout Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16).

he would not listen to them
King Jehoiakim's refusal to heed the advice of his officials demonstrates his hardened heart and rejection of God's message. This is consistent with his overall character as depicted in the Bible, where he is shown as a king who did evil in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 23:36-37). His actions are reminiscent of Pharaoh's hardened heart in Exodus, where despite numerous warnings, he refused to listen to God's commands (Exodus 7:13). This phrase underscores the theme of human rebellion against divine authority, a recurring motif in the prophetic books. Jehoiakim's refusal to listen also foreshadows the eventual judgment that would come upon Judah, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets (Jeremiah 25:8-11).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elnathan
A court official during the reign of King Jehoiakim. He is noted for his attempt to persuade the king not to destroy the scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies.

2. Delaiah
Another official in King Jehoiakim's court who, along with Elnathan and Gemariah, tried to prevent the king from burning the scroll.

3. Gemariah
A scribe and son of Shaphan, who also urged the king not to burn the scroll. His house was where Baruch read Jeremiah's scroll to the people.

4. King Jehoiakim
The king of Judah who defiantly burned the scroll containing the words of the Lord as delivered by Jeremiah, showing his disregard for God's message.

5. The Scroll
A written document containing the prophecies of Jeremiah, which was read aloud to the people and the king, and subsequently burned by King Jehoiakim.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Heeding God's Word
The refusal of King Jehoiakim to listen to the warnings in the scroll serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring God's Word.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah demonstrate the courage to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous.

The Role of Prophets and Messengers
Jeremiah's role as a prophet underscores the importance of delivering God's message faithfully, regardless of the audience's response.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Jehoiakim's actions led to further judgment upon Judah, illustrating the serious consequences of disobedience to God.

The Preservation of God's Word
Despite Jehoiakim's attempt to destroy the scroll, God's Word endures, reminding us of its eternal nature and power.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the actions of Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah in trying to prevent the king from burning the scroll?

2. How does King Jehoiakim's response to the scroll compare to King Josiah's response to the Book of the Law in 2 Kings 22?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate courage in standing for God's truth in our own lives?

4. How does the account of Jeremiah 36:25 illustrate the enduring nature of God's Word, and how can this encourage us today?

5. What are some modern-day examples of rejecting or ignoring God's message, and how can we respond differently?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 22
This chapter describes King Josiah's response to the Book of the Law, contrasting Jehoiakim's rejection with Josiah's repentance and reform.

Jeremiah 26
This chapter recounts another instance where Jeremiah's life was threatened for delivering God's message, highlighting the persistent resistance to prophetic warnings.

Acts 7
Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts Israel's history of rejecting prophets, parallels the rejection of Jeremiah's message by Jehoiakim.