Jeremiah 36:27

After the king had burned the scroll containing the words that Baruch had written at Jeremiah's dictation, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:

Study Bible

After the king had burned the scroll
This phrase refers to King Jehoiakim of Judah, who reigned from 609 to 598 BC. The burning of the scroll signifies his rejection of God's message delivered through the prophet Jeremiah. This act of defiance highlights the king's resistance to divine authority and his attempt to silence prophetic warnings. Historically, this event underscores the tension between the prophetic voice and the political powers of the time. The burning of the scroll is a symbolic act of rebellion against God's word, reminiscent of other biblical instances where leaders rejected divine messages, such as Pharaoh's hardened heart in Exodus.

containing the words that Baruch had written
Baruch, the son of Neriah, was Jeremiah's scribe and faithful companion. His role was crucial in documenting Jeremiah's prophecies, ensuring that God's messages were preserved despite opposition. The act of writing down the words signifies the importance of recording divine revelation for posterity. This practice of using scribes was common in the ancient Near East, where oral traditions were often transcribed to preserve teachings and laws. Baruch's involvement emphasizes the collaborative effort in the prophetic ministry and the importance of written scripture in maintaining the integrity of God's word.

at Jeremiah’s dictation
Jeremiah, a major prophet in the Old Testament, received direct revelations from God, which he then communicated to Baruch. This process of dictation underscores the divine origin of the message, affirming that the words were not merely human thoughts but inspired by God. Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to convey God's will to the people of Judah, calling them to repentance and warning them of impending judgment. The dictation process highlights the prophetic tradition where God's messages were transmitted through chosen individuals, ensuring the accuracy and authority of the revelation.

the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah
This phrase indicates a new revelation from God to Jeremiah, following the king's destruction of the scroll. It demonstrates God's persistence in delivering His message, despite human attempts to suppress it. The phrase "the word of the LORD" is a common biblical expression denoting divine communication, emphasizing the authority and power of God's voice. This moment reflects the unyielding nature of God's purpose and His commitment to ensuring that His word reaches His people. It also foreshadows the indestructibility of divine truth, as seen in other scriptures where God's word endures despite opposition, such as Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often facing opposition and persecution.

2. Baruch
Jeremiah's scribe who faithfully recorded the words of the prophet as dictated by him.

3. King Jehoiakim
The king of Judah who, in defiance of God's word, burned the scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies.

4. The Scroll
A written document containing the prophecies of Jeremiah, which was destroyed by King Jehoiakim.

5. The Word of the LORD
The divine message given to Jeremiah, emphasizing the enduring nature of God's word despite human attempts to suppress it.

Teaching Points

The Indestructibility of God's Word
Despite human efforts to suppress or destroy it, God's word remains eternal and unchanging.

Faithfulness in Delivering God's Message
Like Jeremiah and Baruch, believers are called to faithfully proclaim God's truth, regardless of opposition.

The Consequences of Rejecting God's Word
King Jehoiakim's actions serve as a warning of the spiritual peril in rejecting divine revelation.

The Role of Scripture in Our Lives
Scripture should be cherished, studied, and obeyed as the authoritative guide for faith and practice.

God's Sovereignty in Communication
God ensures His message is delivered and preserved, demonstrating His control over all circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reaction of King Jehoiakim to the scroll reflect common attitudes towards God's word today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are faithfully delivering God's message like Jeremiah and Baruch?

3. What are some modern "scrolls" that people might metaphorically "burn" in their rejection of God's word?

4. How can the assurance of the indestructibility of God's word encourage us in our personal faith journey?

5. How do the additional scriptures connected to Jeremiah 36:27 reinforce the theme of the enduring nature of God's word?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 40:8
This verse highlights the enduring nature of God's word, similar to how Jeremiah's message persisted despite the king's attempt to destroy it.

Matthew 24:35
Jesus speaks about the permanence of His words, echoing the theme of the indestructibility of divine revelation.

Acts 5:39
The apostles' experience with opposition reflects the futility of resisting God's plans, akin to Jehoiakim's actions against Jeremiah's scroll.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
Emphasizes the divine inspiration and usefulness of Scripture, reinforcing the importance of preserving and adhering to God's word.