Why did officials advise Baruch and Jeremiah to "hide" in Jeremiah 36:19? Setting the Scene • Jeremiah, confined at the palace (Jeremiah 36:5), dictates God’s warnings to Baruch. • Baruch reads the scroll publicly; officials summon him and hear every word (Jeremiah 36:10–15). • Realizing the message is God-given and politically explosive, they report, “We must surely inform the king” (Jeremiah 36:16–18). Recognition of Immediate Danger • Jehoiakim’s track record: he had already shed innocent blood, including prophet Urijah (Jeremiah 26:20-23). • He despised prophetic rebuke and ruled ruthlessly (cf. 2 Kings 23:36–24:4). • The officials foresee the king’s fury once he hears that the scroll predicts judgment on him and the nation. Why the Advice to Hide? Jer 36:19—“Then the officials said to Baruch, ‘You and Jeremiah must hide yourselves and tell no one where you are.’” • Physical safety: They expect Jehoiakim to retaliate, perhaps with execution, as he did to Urijah. • Preservation of the prophetic word: If the messengers are killed, God’s message could be silenced; hiding ensures its continued proclamation. • Divine alignment: The officials, sensing the scroll is from the LORD, cooperate—whether fully committed or simply cautious—to protect His servants (Jeremiah 36:16, 19). Events That Confirm Their Fears • Jehoiakim slashes and burns the scroll piece by piece despite warnings (Jeremiah 36:22-24). • He commands officers “to seize Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet” (Jeremiah 36:26). • “But the LORD had hidden them” (Jeremiah 36:26) — God endorses the officials’ advice by supernaturally shielding His prophets. Past Precedents of Royal Violence • Urijah’s martyrdom (Jeremiah 26:20-23) shows Jehoiakim’s willingness to kill prophets. • Jeremiah’s prior near-execution in the temple court (Jeremiah 26:7-11) reinforces the threat. • These incidents would still be fresh in the officials’ minds, making their counsel urgent and practical. Key Takeaways for Today • God’s messengers sometimes need physical protection to fulfill their calling (Acts 9:23-25). • Human authorities may oppose divine truth; believers must exercise wisdom and courage (Matthew 10:16-23). • The Lord is sovereign over His word and His servants—He both preserves the message and protects His messengers until their task is complete (Isaiah 55:11; 2 Timothy 4:17-18). |
    |