Jeremiah 45:5

But as for you, do you seek great things for yourself? Stop seeking! For I will bring disaster on every living creature, declares the LORD, but wherever you go, I will grant your life as a spoil of war."

Study Bible

But as for you, do you seek great things for yourself?
This phrase addresses Baruch, the scribe of Jeremiah, who may have been seeking personal advancement or recognition. In the context of ancient Judah, social status and personal ambition were often tied to political and religious roles. The question challenges the pursuit of self-interest, especially during a time of national crisis. This echoes the biblical theme of humility and reliance on God rather than personal ambition, as seen in passages like Matthew 6:33, which emphasizes seeking God's kingdom first.

Stop seeking!
The command to cease seeking personal gain is a call to trust in God's plan rather than one's own desires. This reflects the biblical principle of surrendering personal ambitions to God's will, similar to the teachings in James 4:13-15, which warn against boasting about future plans without considering God's sovereignty. The urgency of the command suggests the futility of seeking personal success in the face of impending judgment.

For I will bring disaster on every living creature, declares the LORD,
This phrase underscores the certainty of God's judgment on Judah and Jerusalem due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry. The historical context is the Babylonian invasion, which led to the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The phrase "every living creature" indicates the comprehensive nature of the disaster, affecting all levels of society. This aligns with the prophetic warnings throughout Jeremiah, such as in Jeremiah 25:32-33, where a similar judgment is pronounced.

but wherever you go, I will grant your life as a spoil of war.”
Here, God promises Baruch personal protection amidst the coming calamity. The term "spoil of war" suggests that Baruch's life will be preserved as a prize or reward, despite the surrounding destruction. This assurance of survival is reminiscent of God's protection of His faithful servants, as seen with Daniel in the lion's den (Daniel 6) or the preservation of Noah and his family during the flood (Genesis 6-9). It highlights God's faithfulness to those who serve Him, even in times of widespread judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Baruch
The scribe and faithful companion of the prophet Jeremiah, who recorded Jeremiah's prophecies and faced persecution alongside him.

2. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, warning them of impending judgment and calling them to repentance.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing imminent destruction and exile due to their disobedience to God.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Jeremiah to deliver a message of both judgment and hope.

5. Disaster on all flesh
Refers to the impending judgment and calamity that God is bringing upon the people due to their sin and rebellion.

Teaching Points

Contentment in God's Provision
Recognize that true fulfillment comes from God, not from seeking personal greatness or material success.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Understand that God is in control, even in times of disaster, and He promises to preserve those who trust in Him.

Focus on Eternal Values
Prioritize spiritual growth and service to God over worldly achievements and recognition.

Humility and Submission
Embrace a humble attitude, submitting personal ambitions to God's greater plan and purpose.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Like Baruch, remain faithful to God's calling, even when facing challenges or when personal desires are unmet.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Baruch's situation in Jeremiah 45:5 challenge our modern understanding of success and ambition?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking God's kingdom first, as seen in Matthew 6:33, to our daily lives?

3. How can Paul's teaching on contentment in Philippians 4:11-13 help us to stop seeking "great things" for ourselves?

4. What practical steps can we take to align our desires with God's will, as encouraged in James 4:13-16?

5. How does the promise of God granting life "like a spoil of war" provide hope and assurance in times of uncertainty or difficulty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 6:33
This verse emphasizes seeking God's kingdom and righteousness over personal gain, aligning with the message in Jeremiah 45:5 about not seeking great things for oneself.

Philippians 4:11-13
Paul speaks about contentment in all circumstances, which resonates with the call to stop seeking great things for oneself.

1 Timothy 6:6-10
Discusses the dangers of desiring wealth and the importance of godliness with contentment, paralleling the warning against seeking great things.

James 4:13-16
Warns against boasting about future plans and emphasizes reliance on God's will, similar to the message in Jeremiah 45:5.

Psalm 37:4
Encourages delighting in the Lord, who will give the desires of the heart, suggesting a focus on God rather than personal ambition.