What is the meaning of Jeremiah 36:1? In the fourth year “In the fourth year…” (Jeremiah 36:1) fixes the moment in real history—about 605 BC. That date matters because: • It marks the same year Babylon defeated Egypt at Carchemish (Jeremiah 46:2), signaling Judah’s political tipping point. • Jeremiah had already preached for nearly two decades (compare Jeremiah 25:3), so this verse shows God’s patience before judgment. • The fourth year of Jehoiakim is also noted in Jeremiah 25:1 and Daniel 1:1, tying the prophet’s words to events that shaped Daniel’s exile. of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah God names the ruler so no reader can miss the covenant context. • Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:36–24:6) reversed many of his father Josiah’s reforms, shedding innocent blood (Jeremiah 22:13–17). • By placing Jeremiah’s message under this king’s reign, the verse contrasts Josiah’s responsive heart (2 Chronicles 34:31) with Jehoiakim’s hardened one (Jeremiah 26:20–23). • Mentioning “king of Judah” reminds us God still viewed the throne through His promises to David (2 Samuel 7:16), even when the occupant was disobedient. this word came to Jeremiah Scripture describes revelation as something that “comes,” underscoring that Jeremiah did not invent it. • Similar language appears in Jeremiah 1:2, 11:1, and 30:1, showing a consistent pattern of God initiating every oracle. • The phrase highlights Jeremiah’s role as faithful messenger (Jeremiah 1:7), not author of personal opinion. • It also explains why the prophet could endure opposition; the word did not originate with him, so he could not withhold it (Jeremiah 20:9). from the LORD The source settles the authority question: the message is divine, not human. • “LORD” (Yahweh) points to the covenant-keeping God who revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:15) and guaranteed His word would perform His purpose (Isaiah 55:11). • Because all Scripture is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), Jeremiah 36:1 carries the same weight today as when first spoken. • 2 Peter 1:21 affirms that prophets “spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit,” explaining how Jeremiah could deliver an error-free message. summary Jeremiah 36:1 anchors God’s warning in verifiable time, under a specific king, through a known prophet, with divine authority. The verse reminds us that God speaks into real history, calls individual leaders to account, raises faithful messengers, and guarantees that His word is both trustworthy and timely. |
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