In the biblical narrative found in the Book of Jeremiah, God commands the prophet Jeremiah to rewrite a scroll that had been destroyed by King Jehoiakim of Judah. This event is significant in understanding the perseverance of God's word and the role of prophecy in the life of Israel.

Context and Background

The events surrounding the rewriting of the scroll are recorded in Jeremiah 36. During the reign of King Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, the kingdom of Judah was facing imminent threat from Babylon. Jeremiah, a prophet called by God, was tasked with delivering messages of warning and impending judgment due to the nation's persistent disobedience and idolatry.

The Initial Scroll

God instructed Jeremiah to record all the words He had spoken to him concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations from the time of Josiah until that day. Jeremiah 36:2 states, "Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations from the time I first spoke to you, during the reign of Josiah, until today."

Jeremiah dictated these words to his scribe, Baruch, who wrote them on a scroll. The purpose of this written record was to call the people of Judah to repentance, as expressed in Jeremiah 36:3 : "Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about all the disaster I plan to bring upon them, each one of them will turn from his wicked way. Then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin."

The Destruction of the Scroll

Baruch read the scroll in the Temple, and it eventually reached the ears of the officials, who were alarmed by its contents. They advised Baruch and Jeremiah to hide, recognizing the potential wrath of the king. The scroll was then read to King Jehoiakim, who reacted with disdain. As recorded in Jeremiah 36:23 , "As soon as Jehudi had read three or four columns, Jehoiakim cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was consumed by the fire."

Jehoiakim's act of burning the scroll was a blatant rejection of God's word and a demonstration of his hardened heart. Despite the king's attempt to silence the prophetic message, God's word remained unthwarted.

The Rewriting of the Scroll

Following the destruction of the scroll, God commanded Jeremiah to take another scroll and rewrite the words that had been on the first scroll. Jeremiah 36:28 records God's instruction: "Take another scroll, and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah burned up."

Jeremiah obeyed, and with Baruch's assistance, the words were rewritten. Moreover, additional words of judgment were added concerning Jehoiakim, as noted in Jeremiah 36:32 : "So Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah, who wrote on it at Jeremiah’s dictation all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them."

Theological Significance

This episode underscores the indestructibility and authority of God's word. Despite human attempts to suppress or destroy it, God's message endures and continues to accomplish His purposes. The rewriting of the scroll serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in preserving His word and the responsibility of His prophets to proclaim it, regardless of opposition.

Furthermore, the narrative highlights the theme of repentance and the opportunity for forgiveness. God's desire for His people to turn from their wicked ways is evident, and His willingness to forgive is a recurring theme throughout the prophetic literature.

In summary, the command to rewrite the scroll illustrates the enduring nature of divine revelation and the unwavering commitment of God to communicate His will to His people, even in the face of rejection and hostility.