Jeremiah 36:8

So Baruch son of Neriah did everything that Jeremiah the prophet had commanded him. In the house of the LORD he read the words of the LORD from the scroll.

Study Bible

So Baruch son of Neriah
Baruch, the son of Neriah, was a scribe and close associate of the prophet Jeremiah. His role as a scribe was crucial in the ancient world, where literacy was not widespread. Baruch's lineage is significant, as his father Neriah is mentioned, indicating a family of some standing. Baruch's loyalty and dedication to Jeremiah's mission highlight the importance of faithful service in God's work. His name, meaning "blessed," reflects his role in preserving and proclaiming God's word.

did everything that Jeremiah the prophet had commanded him.
Baruch's obedience to Jeremiah underscores the importance of following God's instructions through His prophets. Jeremiah, as a prophet, received direct revelations from God, and Baruch's compliance demonstrates the trust and respect he had for Jeremiah's prophetic authority. This obedience is a model for believers, emphasizing the need to adhere to God's commands as conveyed through His chosen messengers. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of servant leadership and the importance of supporting God's work.

In the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. This location is significant as it was the spiritual heart of the nation, where God's presence was believed to dwell. Reading the scroll in the temple underscores the public and communal nature of God's message, intended for all of Israel. The temple setting also highlights the gravity and sacredness of the words being proclaimed, as the temple was a place of prayer, sacrifice, and divine encounter.

he read the words of the LORD from the scroll.
Baruch's act of reading the scroll publicly was a prophetic declaration, making known God's message to the people. The scroll contained the words given to Jeremiah by God, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the message. This public reading was a common practice for disseminating important information, especially in a largely oral culture. The act of reading God's words in the temple connects to other instances in Scripture where God's law and messages were read aloud to the people, such as in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. This practice underscores the power of God's word to instruct, convict, and guide His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Baruch son of Neriah
Baruch was the scribe and faithful companion of the prophet Jeremiah. He played a crucial role in documenting and proclaiming Jeremiah's prophecies.

2. Jeremiah the Prophet
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah was called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry was marked by perseverance amidst persecution.

3. The LORD’s Temple
The central place of worship for the Israelites in Jerusalem. It was a significant location for delivering God's messages to the people.

4. The Scroll
A written document containing the words of the LORD as given to Jeremiah. It symbolizes the importance of preserving and proclaiming God's word.

5. The Event of Reading
Baruch's public reading of the scroll in the temple was a significant act of obedience and proclamation, intended to call the people to repentance.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
Baruch's actions demonstrate the importance of faithfully carrying out God's commands, even when it involves personal risk or sacrifice.

The Power of God's Word
The reading of the scroll in the temple illustrates the transformative power of Scripture to convict and guide people back to God.

Role of a Faithful Servant
Baruch's example shows the value of supporting God's work through various roles, whether as a leader or a scribe, each part is vital in God's plan.

Public Proclamation of Faith
The act of reading the scroll publicly encourages believers to boldly share God's word in their communities, trusting in its impact.

Perseverance in Ministry
Despite challenges, Baruch and Jeremiah's commitment to their mission teaches the importance of perseverance in serving God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Baruch's obedience to Jeremiah's instructions challenge us in our own walk with God?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are faithfully proclaiming God's word in our own "temples" or communities?

3. How does the role of Baruch as a scribe and supporter of Jeremiah's ministry inspire us to find our place in God's work?

4. What are some modern-day challenges we might face when publicly proclaiming our faith, and how can we overcome them?

5. How can we apply the lesson of perseverance from Baruch and Jeremiah's ministry to our personal and communal spiritual journeys?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 22
The discovery of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign parallels the reading of the scroll by Baruch, emphasizing the power of God's word to bring about repentance and reform.

Acts 8
Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch highlights the importance of understanding and proclaiming Scripture, similar to Baruch's role in making God's word known.

Isaiah 55:11
This verse underscores the effectiveness of God's word, which aligns with the purpose of Baruch's reading to bring about change in the hearts of the people.