What is the meaning of Jeremiah 36:14? The officials respond • Jeremiah’s prophetic words, read publicly by Baruch (Jeremiah 36:10), reach the ears of the king’s administrators. • Acting quickly, “all the officials sent word to Baruch” (Jeremiah 36:14). Their unified action shows how seriously they take God’s warning—echoing the way Nineveh’s leaders reacted to Jonah’s message (Jonah 3:6-9). • They do not dismiss the prophecy; they investigate, modeling the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Jehudi: the appointed messenger • The text identifies Jehudi by three generations—“son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi”—signaling credibility and traceable lineage, a common biblical method for confirming reliability (Ezra 7:1-5). • Assigning a trusted envoy underscores that the matter is official and urgent, like King Josiah’s delegation to Huldah when the Book of the Law was found (2 Kings 22:12-14). The command: bring the scroll • The officials say, “Bring the scroll that you read in the hearing of the people, and come here” (Jeremiah 36:14). • By requesting the exact scroll, they guard against hearsay. God’s word is to be heard firsthand—mirroring Moses’ directive to read the law publicly every seventh year (Deuteronomy 31:10-13). • They also summon Baruch himself. Scripture is not merely a document; it is delivered through faithful messengers (Romans 10:14-15). Baruch’s obedience • “So Baruch son of Neriah took the scroll and went to them” (Jeremiah 36:14). • Baruch shows immediate compliance, reflecting his servant-hearted partnership with Jeremiah (Jeremiah 32:12). • His action contrasts with later royal resistance (Jeremiah 36:23-25). Faithful obedience often precedes opposition (Acts 5:29). summary Jeremiah 36:14 records a pivotal moment: Judah’s leaders receive God’s warning with enough seriousness to demand the original scroll and its reader. Jehudi’s reputable lineage, the officials’ direct summons, and Baruch’s willing response together illustrate how divine truth should be handled—carefully, urgently, and with obedient hearts. |
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