Jeremiah 36:4

So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and at the dictation of Jeremiah, Baruch wrote on a scroll all the words that the LORD had spoken to Jeremiah.

Study Bible

So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah
Jeremiah, a major prophet in the Old Testament, often relied on scribes to record his prophecies. Baruch, the son of Neriah, was a trusted scribe and companion of Jeremiah. The role of a scribe was crucial in ancient times for the preservation and dissemination of important texts. Baruch's lineage, being the son of Neriah, suggests he came from a family of some standing, possibly with connections to the royal court or priesthood, which would have facilitated his role in recording and delivering messages. This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration in ministry and the transmission of divine messages.

and at the dictation of Jeremiah
The process of dictation indicates the authoritative nature of the message. Jeremiah, as a prophet, received direct revelations from God, which he then communicated to Baruch. This method ensured the accuracy and fidelity of the message, as it was not left to Baruch's interpretation but was directly transcribed from Jeremiah's spoken words. This practice underscores the belief in the divine inspiration of Scripture, where human authors were guided by the Holy Spirit to convey God's word.

Baruch wrote on a scroll
Scrolls were the primary medium for writing in ancient times, made from papyrus or parchment. The use of a scroll signifies the formal and enduring nature of the message. Writing on a scroll was a meticulous process, requiring skill and precision, reflecting the care taken to preserve God's word. This act of writing also symbolizes the transition from oral to written tradition, ensuring the message could be read and re-read by future generations.

all the words that the LORD had spoken to Jeremiah
This phrase emphasizes the completeness and divine origin of the message. The words were not Jeremiah's own but were given to him by the LORD, affirming the prophetic authority of the text. This highlights the concept of divine revelation, where God communicates His will and purposes through chosen individuals. The phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's word being living and active, as seen in other scriptures like Hebrews 4:12. The comprehensive nature of the message indicates its importance and urgency, as it was intended to call the people of Judah to repentance and warn them of impending judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in the face of opposition and his deep emotional connection to his prophetic mission.

2. Baruch son of Neriah
Jeremiah's scribe and faithful companion. Baruch played a crucial role in recording and preserving the words of God as spoken through Jeremiah.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates His will and messages through His prophets.

4. Scroll
The medium used in ancient times for writing and preserving important texts. In this context, it represents the written word of God as delivered through Jeremiah.

5. Dictation Event
The process by which Jeremiah, under divine inspiration, speaks the words of God, and Baruch transcribes them onto a scroll. This event underscores the importance of preserving God's word for future generations.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Scripture
The act of writing down God's words highlights the importance of Scripture as a permanent and authoritative record of God's communication with humanity.

Faithful Service
Baruch's role as a scribe demonstrates the value of supporting roles in ministry. Not everyone is called to be a prophet like Jeremiah, but every role is vital in God's plan.

Preservation of God's Word
The dictation and transcription process underscores the need to preserve God's word accurately for future generations, reminding us of the reliability and trustworthiness of Scripture.

Obedience to God's Command
Jeremiah's obedience in dictating God's words and Baruch's diligence in writing them down serve as examples of faithful adherence to God's instructions.

The Power of the Written Word
The written word has the power to transcend time and space, impacting lives long after it is recorded. This encourages us to engage deeply with Scripture in our own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the relationship between Jeremiah and Baruch illustrate the importance of teamwork in fulfilling God's mission?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are faithfully preserving and sharing God's word in our own lives and communities?

3. How does the process of dictation and transcription in Jeremiah 36:4 enhance our understanding of the inspiration and authority of Scripture?

4. What roles, similar to Baruch's, can we identify in our church or community, and how can we support those who serve in these capacities?

5. How can the example of Jeremiah and Baruch encourage us to be obedient to God's calling, even when it involves tasks that seem mundane or behind-the-scenes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Timothy 3:16-17
This passage highlights the divine inspiration of Scripture, similar to how Jeremiah's words were inspired by God and recorded by Baruch.

Exodus 24:4
Moses writes down all the words of the LORD, paralleling the act of recording divine revelation as seen with Jeremiah and Baruch.

Revelation 1:11
John is instructed to write down what he sees, emphasizing the importance of documenting divine revelation for the benefit of the church.