In chapter 36 Jeremiah is told by the Lord to have Baruch write down all the words of the prophesies that the Lord has given to him (v1-4). Jeremiah then orders Baruch to read the scroll at the temple as he himself was banned from there (v5-7). behind this was the great desire in Jeremiah’s heart that the people would listen and repent of their sin.

When Baruch reads this scroll, it is a year later (v1, 9) and it was at a time of one of the annual gatherings of the people in Jerusalem (v9-10). When a man called Micaiah heard what Baruch read, he goes and informs the officials (v11-13),  who then call for Baruch to come and to read the scroll to them (v14-15). On hearing the scroll the officials are filled with fear and a great urge that the King would hear what the scroll said (v16). They first want Baruch and Jeremiah to go into hiding (v17-19), no doubt as they feared what the king’s response would be.

Sadly, King Jehoiakim when he heard the scroll had it burned bit by bit (v20-26). This was so pointless as it wouldn’t stop the prophesies being fulfilled and God’s word being maintained (v32). We must value this word.