And as soon as Jehudi had read three or four columns, Jehoiakim would cut them off with a scribe's knife and throw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll had been consumed by the fire. And as soon as Jehudi had read three or four columns,Jehudi read Jeremiah’s prophecies before King Jehoiakim and his officials in the winter house. After only several columns had been heard, the king interrupted the reading. God’s warning concerning Judah’s sin, Babylon’s coming judgment, and the call to repentance was treated not as a word to be feared, but as something to be silenced. 2Ki 22:11-13 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law,… Jehoiakim would cut them off with a scribe’s knife Jehoiakim used a knife normally associated with the work of a scribe to mutilate the written word of God. His action was deliberate and repeated as each portion was read. Rather than humble himself as his father Josiah had done when confronted with the Book of the Law, Jehoiakim openly defied the Lord and rejected His prophet. Deu 4:2 You must not add to or subtract from what I command you… and throw them into the firepot, The king cast each cut section into the fire burning in the room during the winter season. He sought to destroy the message that exposed his rebellion and announced judgment upon Jerusalem. Burning the scroll did not remove the guilt of Judah or alter God’s declared purpose. Act 19:19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts… until the entire scroll had been consumed by the fire. The scroll written by Baruch was destroyed, but the word of the Lord was not. Jeremiah was commanded to prepare another scroll containing the same words, along with further judgment against Jehoiakim. Human rulers may reject, suppress, or destroy written copies of Scripture, yet God’s truth stands and His warnings will be fulfilled. 2Ki 25:9 He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often warning them of impending judgment due to their disobedience. 2. Jehoiakim The king of Judah during this time, known for his rebellion against God's word and his disregard for the prophetic messages delivered by Jeremiah. 3. Baruch Jeremiah's scribe, who wrote down the words of the prophecy as dictated by Jeremiah and read them to the people and officials. 4. Jehudi A court official who read the scroll to King Jehoiakim, acting as a messenger of the prophetic word. 5. The Scroll The written record of Jeremiah's prophecies, which was meant to be a warning to the people of Judah about the consequences of their actions. Teaching Points The Rejection of God's WordJehoiakim's act of cutting and burning the scroll symbolizes a deliberate rejection of God's message. This serves as a warning against hardening our hearts to divine instruction. The Indestructibility of God's Word Despite Jehoiakim's actions, God's word remains unbroken and continues to fulfill its purpose. This teaches us about the eternal and unchanging nature of Scripture. The Role of the Messenger Jehudi and Baruch played crucial roles in delivering God's message. This highlights the importance of being faithful messengers of God's truth, regardless of the audience's response. The Consequences of Disobedience Jehoiakim's actions led to further judgment upon Judah. This serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of ignoring God's warnings and commands. The Call to Repentance Unlike Jehoiakim, we are called to respond to God's word with humility and repentance, aligning our lives with His will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoiakim's response to the scroll reflect the condition of his heart, and what can we learn from this about our own responses to God's word?2. In what ways does the account of Jehoiakim contrast with the response of King Josiah to the reading of the Law? How can this contrast inform our approach to Scripture? 3. How does the indestructibility of God's word, as seen in this passage, encourage us in our faith today? 4. What role do Baruch and Jehudi play in the dissemination of God's message, and how can we apply their example in our own lives as messengers of the Gospel? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced resistance or rejection when sharing God's word. How does this passage encourage you to remain faithful in your witness? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 22-23The account of King Josiah, Jehoiakim's father, who responded to the reading of the Law with repentance and reform, contrasting Jehoiakim's response. Hebrews 4:12 Highlights the power and living nature of God's word, contrasting with Jehoiakim's attempt to destroy it physically. Isaiah 40:8 Emphasizes the enduring nature of God's word, which stands forever despite human attempts to suppress it. People Abdeel, Achbor, Azriel, Baruch, Cushi, David, Delaiah, Elishama, Elnathan, Gemariah, Hammelech, Hananiah, Jehoiakim, Jehudi, Jerahmeel, Jeremiah, Josiah, Micah, Micaiah, Michaiah, Neriah, Nethaniah, Seraiah, Shaphan, Shelemiah, Shemaiah, ZedekiahPlaces Babylon, Jerusalem, New GateTopics Book, Brazier, Burned, Burning, Cast, Columns, Consumed, Consumption, Cut, Cutteth, Cutting, Divisions, Entire, Fire, Fireplace, Firepot, Got, Hearth, Jehudi, Jehu'di, Knife, Leaves, Pan, Pass, Penknife, Pen-knife, Readeth, Reading, Roll, Scribe's, Scroll, Stove, Threw, Throw, Till, WheneverDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 36:23 1656 numbers, combinations Library Jeremiah's Roll Burned and Reproduced'Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch ... who wrote therein ... all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire, and there were added besides unto them many like words.'--JER. xxxvi. 32. This story brings us into the presence of the long death agony of the Jewish monarchy. The wretched Jehoiakim, the last king but two who reigned in Jerusalem, was put on the throne by the King of Egypt, as his tributary, and used by him as a buffer to bear the brunt … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Growth of the Old Testament Prophetic Histories On the Interpretation of Scripture The Secret of Its Greatness The Essay which Brings up the Rear in this Very Guilty Volume is from The... Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 36:23 NIVJeremiah 36:23 NLT Jeremiah 36:23 ESV Jeremiah 36:23 NASB Jeremiah 36:23 KJV Jeremiah 36:23 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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