What role does Baruch play in fulfilling God's message in Jeremiah 36:6? Setting the Scene Jeremiah has been banned from the temple precincts (Jeremiah 36:5). God still intends His word to be heard, so He directs Jeremiah to dictate every prophecy to his faithful scribe, Baruch. Baruch’s Specific Assignment “‘So you go and read from the scroll which you have written at my dictation—the words of the LORD—to the people in the LORD’s house on a day of fasting. And you shall also read them to all the people of Judah who come from their cities.’” (Jeremiah 36:6) What Baruch Actually Does • Writes every word Jeremiah dictates—verbatim revelation (Jeremiah 36:4) • Waits for the national fast day so the maximum number of worshipers will be in Jerusalem (36:9–10) • Stands in the temple courtyard and publicly proclaims the entire scroll (36:10) • Reads it again to the officials when summoned (36:14–15) • Allows the scroll to be taken to King Jehoiakim, fully aware of the personal danger involved (36:20–21) Key Aspects of Baruch’s Role • Mouthpiece—He becomes the audible voice of God in the temple when Jeremiah cannot be present. • Mediator—He carries the message from prophet to priest, from courtyard to royal court. • Witness—His unwavering testimony fulfills Deuteronomy 17:18–19, ensuring king and nation hear God’s covenant warnings. • Suffering Servant—His obedience exposes him to the king’s wrath (36:26), foreshadowing the cost every faithful messenger may bear (John 15:20). Outcome of His Obedience • The scroll reaches every stratum of society, from common worshipers to palace officials. • King Jehoiakim’s rejection (36:23) triggers divine judgment, proving the message authentic (36:30–31). • God preserves the word: Jeremiah dictates a new, expanded scroll, and Baruch writes it again (36:32), underscoring Isaiah 40:8. Lessons for Today • Availability outweighs status—Baruch is not a prophet, yet God entrusts him with prophetic publication (1 Corinthians 1:27–29). • Proclamation cannot be quarantined—if one servant is barred, God raises another (2 Timothy 2:9). • Faithful transcription matters—handling Scripture precisely is part of fulfilling God’s plan (Revelation 22:18–19). • Courageous reading changes destinies—faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17), whether people accept or reject it. In Jeremiah 36:6, Baruch functions as God’s commissioned herald, ensuring the written revelation is voiced, heard, and preserved—demonstrating that when God speaks, He also supplies the servant needed to carry His message to completion. |
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