Jeremiah 36:29

You are to proclaim concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah that this is what the LORD says: You have burned the scroll and said, 'Why have you written on it that the king of Babylon would surely come and destroy this land and deprive it of man and beast?'

Study Bible

You are to say
This phrase indicates a direct command from God to Jeremiah, emphasizing the authority and divine origin of the message. In Hebrew, the word for "say" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used in the context of divine communication. This underscores the prophetic role of Jeremiah as a mouthpiece for God, tasked with delivering His messages to the people, regardless of their reception.

to Jehoiakim king of Judah
Jehoiakim was the son of Josiah and reigned as king of Judah from approximately 609 to 598 BC. His reign was marked by political turmoil and spiritual decline. Historically, Jehoiakim is known for his rebellion against Babylonian rule and his disregard for prophetic warnings. This context highlights the tension between the king's authority and God's sovereignty, as Jehoiakim often resisted divine messages delivered through prophets like Jeremiah.

This is what the LORD says
This phrase is a common prophetic formula that introduces a divine oracle. It asserts that the following message is not Jeremiah's own words but those of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The use of "LORD" in all caps in the BSB signifies the translation of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, the sacred and personal name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature.

You have burned the scroll
The act of burning the scroll was a deliberate rejection of God's word. In ancient times, scrolls were the primary medium for recording important texts, including prophetic messages. Jehoiakim's burning of the scroll, which contained Jeremiah's prophecies, symbolizes his contempt for divine instruction and his attempt to silence God's voice. This act of defiance is historically significant as it reflects the broader spiritual rebellion of Judah during this period.

which you asked, ‘Why have you written on it that the king of Babylon will surely come and destroy this land and cut off both man and beast from it?’
This question reveals Jehoiakim's incredulity and denial of the prophetic warning. The prophecy of Babylonian invasion was a central theme in Jeremiah's ministry, as God used Babylon as an instrument of judgment against Judah's idolatry and disobedience. The historical context of Babylon's rise to power under Nebuchadnezzar provides a backdrop for understanding the inevitability of this judgment. The phrase "cut off both man and beast" indicates total devastation, a common motif in prophetic literature to describe divine judgment. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's word and the reality of His justice.

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. Jehoiakim
The king of Judah who rejected God's word delivered through Jeremiah, demonstrating his rebellion by burning the scroll.

3. Baruch
Jeremiah's scribe who wrote down the words of the prophecy as dictated by Jeremiah.

4. The Scroll
The written record of Jeremiah's prophecies, which was burned by King Jehoiakim in an act of defiance against God's message.

5. Babylon
The empire prophesied to bring destruction upon Judah as a consequence of their disobedience to God.

Teaching Points

The Authority of God's Word
God's word stands firm regardless of human attempts to suppress or destroy it. Jehoiakim's act of burning the scroll did not negate the truth of the prophecy.

The Consequences of Rejecting God's Message
Jehoiakim's rejection of the prophecy led to the fulfillment of the very judgment he sought to avoid. Ignoring God's warnings can lead to dire consequences.

The Role of Prophets and Messengers
Jeremiah and Baruch's faithfulness in delivering God's message, despite opposition, serves as a model for believers to stand firm in proclaiming truth.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment and Redemption
The prophecy concerning Babylon underscores God's control over nations and history, using them to accomplish His purposes.

The Enduring Nature of God's Word
Despite physical destruction, God's word endures and continues to accomplish what He intends, as seen in the re-writing of the scroll.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoiakim's reaction to the scroll reflect common attitudes toward God's word today, and what can we learn from this?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not rejecting God's message in our own lives, even if it is difficult to accept?

3. How does the account of Jeremiah, Baruch, and the scroll encourage us to remain faithful in sharing God's truth, even in the face of opposition?

4. What are some modern "scrolls" or messages from God that people might be tempted to "burn" or ignore, and how should we respond?

5. How can we apply the lessons of God's sovereignty and the enduring nature of His word to current global events and personal challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 24
Provides historical context about Jehoiakim's reign and the political situation in Judah, including the Babylonian threat.

Jeremiah 25
Offers a broader picture of the prophecies concerning Babylon's role as an instrument of God's judgment.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
Highlights the importance of all Scripture as God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, contrasting Jehoiakim's rejection of God's word.

Hebrews 4:12
Emphasizes the power and living nature of God's word, which Jehoiakim attempted to destroy physically but could not nullify spiritually.