Jeremiah 36:6

so you are to go to the house of the LORD on a day of fasting, and in the hearing of the people you are to read the words of the LORD from the scroll you have written at my dictation. Read them in the hearing of all the people of Judah who are coming from their cities.

Study Bible

so you are to go to the house of the LORD on a day of fasting
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. A "day of fasting" indicates a time of national repentance and seeking God, often in response to crisis or sin. Fasting was a common practice in ancient Israel, signifying humility and dependence on God. This setting underscores the seriousness of the message to be delivered, as fasting days were times when the people were more attuned to spiritual matters.

and in the hearing of the people
The public reading of Scripture was a common practice in ancient Israel, ensuring that God's word was accessible to all, including those who were illiterate. This phrase emphasizes the communal aspect of receiving God's message, highlighting the importance of corporate accountability and response to divine instruction.

you are to read the words of the LORD from the scroll you have written at my dictation
The scroll represents the written word of God, dictated by Jeremiah to his scribe Baruch. This process underscores the divine inspiration of Scripture, as the words are not Jeremiah's own but those of the LORD. The act of reading from the scroll signifies the authority and permanence of God's message, contrasting with the oral traditions that could be more easily altered or forgotten.

Read them in the hearing of all the people of Judah who are coming from their cities
This phrase indicates the widespread nature of the message, intended for all of Judah, not just those residing in Jerusalem. The gathering of people from various cities suggests a significant occasion, likely a major festival or a special assembly. This broad audience reflects the universal call to repentance and the inclusive nature of God's covenant with His people. The emphasis on "all the people" highlights the collective responsibility of the nation to heed God's warning and turn back to Him.

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
The scribe and faithful companion of Jeremiah, tasked with writing down the words of the LORD as dictated by Jeremiah.

3. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and gathering for the people of Judah.

4. Day of Fasting
A time set aside for repentance, prayer, and seeking God, often marked by abstaining from food.

5. The People of Judah
The audience for the reading of the scroll, representing the nation that had turned away from God and was facing impending judgment.

Teaching Points

The Power of God's Word
God's Word, when read and heard, has the power to convict, transform, and guide His people. Just as Baruch read the scroll to the people, we should prioritize the public reading and teaching of Scripture in our communities.

The Role of Obedience
Baruch's obedience to Jeremiah's instructions is a model for us. We are called to faithfully carry out God's commands, even when it may be challenging or unpopular.

The Importance of Repentance
The setting of a day of fasting underscores the need for repentance. True repentance involves turning away from sin and turning towards God, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.

Community and Accountability
The gathering of the people of Judah to hear the Word highlights the importance of community in our spiritual lives. We are called to gather together, hold each other accountable, and encourage one another in our walk with God.

The Urgency of the Message
The urgency with which Jeremiah and Baruch delivered God's message serves as a reminder of the urgency with which we should share the Gospel. The time to respond to God's call is now.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Baruch as a scribe and messenger challenge us in our own responsibility to share God's Word with others?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the public reading of Scripture into our personal and communal worship practices today?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the power of God's Word in your life. How did it lead to transformation or change?

4. How can we ensure that our times of fasting and prayer are genuine and aligned with God's desires, as described in Isaiah 58?

5. What steps can we take to foster a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel with those around us, following the example of Jeremiah and Baruch?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 22-23
The account of King Josiah's reforms after the Book of the Law was found and read, highlighting the power of God's Word to bring about repentance and change.

Nehemiah 8
The public reading of the Law by Ezra, which led to a revival among the people, demonstrating the importance of hearing and understanding God's Word.

Isaiah 58
Discusses true fasting, emphasizing that it should be accompanied by genuine repentance and a heart turned towards God, aligning with the context of Jeremiah 36:6.