What is the meaning of Jeremiah 36:17? Tell us now The royal officials have just heard the public reading of Jeremiah’s scroll (Jeremiah 36:15–16), and fear grips them. Their urgent “Tell us now” shows a seriousness that contrasts with King Jehoiakim’s later contempt (Jeremiah 36:22–24). Scripture often portrays such immediate calls for explanation when God’s word pierces hearts—think of Acts 2:37 (“Brothers, what shall we do?”) and Acts 16:30. Like those moments, the officials sense that timely obedience cannot be postponed (Hebrews 3:7-8). they asked Baruch Attention turns from the prophet to his scribe. Baruch, though lesser known, has already proven faithful (Jeremiah 32:12-16; 45:1-5). His presence reminds us that God often uses supporting servants to preserve and transmit revelation—Joshua for Moses (Deuteronomy 31:9), Jonathan’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 14:6-7), Silas writing with Peter (1 Peter 5:12). The officials recognize Baruch’s firsthand knowledge, treating him as a trustworthy witness (Proverbs 14:25). how did you write all these words? The question shows awe at the quantity and precision of the scroll. It echoes earlier commands: “Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you” (Jeremiah 30:2). Similar directives appear with Moses (Exodus 34:27) and John (Revelation 1:11). - The phrase underscores verbal inspiration: God’s words, not human opinion (Jeremiah 1:9; Matthew 4:4). - It highlights preservation—ink on parchment ensures that truth endures beyond the speaker’s voice (Isaiah 30:8). - It prepares for public accountability; once written, the message can be read, reread, and verified (Deuteronomy 17:18-19). Was it at Jeremiah’s dictation? They need assurance that the scroll carries prophetic authority. Dictation affirms: - Source: “The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD” (Jeremiah 36:1-2). - Process: “Jeremiah dictated all the words…the LORD had spoken” (Jeremiah 36:4). This mirrors how Peter describes Scripture: “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21) and Paul’s “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). - Implication: If the words are truly Jeremiah’s (and thus the LORD’s), the officials must act. Ignoring them will bring judgment, just as Jehoiakim’s burning of the scroll does (Jeremiah 36:30-31). Their inquiry is not academic; it is a life-and-death test of obedience (James 1:22-25). summary Jeremiah 36:17 captures a decisive moment: officials urgently press Baruch to verify the divine origin of the scroll. Their question underlines three truths—God’s word demands immediate attention, He faithfully employs humble servants to record it, and its prophetic dictation carries unquestionable authority. How the hearers respond will determine blessing or judgment, then and now. |
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