Jeremiah 36:32

Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah, and at Jeremiah's dictation he wrote on it all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them.

Study Bible

So Jeremiah took another scroll
The act of taking "another scroll" signifies a renewal of God's message despite human attempts to destroy it. The Hebrew word for "scroll" is "מְגִלָּה" (megillah), which refers to a rolled document. This highlights the perseverance of divine revelation. Historically, scrolls were made of papyrus or leather, emphasizing the labor and care involved in preserving God's word. Jeremiah's action underscores the indestructibility of God's message, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.

and gave it to Baruch son of Neriah, the scribe
Baruch, whose name means "blessed," plays a crucial role as Jeremiah's scribe. The term "scribe" (סוֹפֵר, sofer) indicates a learned individual responsible for writing and preserving texts. Baruch's lineage, "son of Neriah," suggests a family of some standing, possibly with connections to the temple or royal court. This partnership between prophet and scribe illustrates the collaborative effort in transmitting God's word, emphasizing the importance of faithful stewardship in preserving divine truth.

On it he wrote all the words of the scroll
The phrase "all the words" emphasizes the completeness and accuracy required in transmitting God's message. The Hebrew word for "words" (דְּבָרִים, devarim) often signifies not just spoken words but divine decrees. This meticulous process of rewriting underscores the sacred duty to maintain the integrity of God's revelation, reflecting the belief that every word is inspired and purposeful.

that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire
Jehoiakim's act of burning the scroll is a direct rebellion against God's authority. The historical context reveals a king resistant to prophetic warnings, preferring political alliances over divine counsel. The fire symbolizes an attempt to obliterate God's word, yet it also serves as a metaphor for purification and judgment. This act of defiance highlights the tension between human authority and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme in the prophetic literature.

and many similar words were added to them
The addition of "many similar words" signifies not only the restoration but the expansion of God's message. This suggests that attempts to silence God's word often result in its amplification. The Hebrew concept of "adding" (יָסַף, yasaf) implies increase and continuation, reflecting the dynamic and living nature of divine revelation. This serves as an encouragement that God's purposes will prevail, regardless of human opposition, and His word will continue to speak to each generation with renewed relevance and power.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often warning them of impending judgment due to their disobedience.

2. Baruch son of Neriah
Jeremiah's faithful scribe and companion, who played a crucial role in recording and preserving Jeremiah's prophecies.

3. Jehoiakim, King of Judah
The king who rejected God's word by burning the scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies, symbolizing his defiance against God's warnings.

4. The Scroll
Represents the written word of God, initially destroyed by Jehoiakim but rewritten by Baruch under Jeremiah's dictation, signifying the indestructibility and perseverance of God's word.

5. The Fire
Symbolizes the attempt to destroy God's message, which ultimately fails as God's word is preserved and even expanded.

Teaching Points

The Indestructibility of God's Word
Despite human efforts to suppress or destroy it, God's word remains eternal and unchanging. This should encourage believers to trust in the reliability and permanence of Scripture.

The Role of Faithful Servants
Like Baruch, believers are called to faithfully preserve and proclaim God's word, even in the face of opposition or danger.

The Consequences of Rejecting God's Word
Jehoiakim's actions serve as a warning of the spiritual peril that comes from rejecting divine revelation. Believers should heed God's word with reverence and obedience.

God's Sovereignty in Revelation
God's message will be delivered and fulfilled regardless of human resistance. This underscores the sovereignty of God in ensuring His purposes are accomplished.

The Expansion of Revelation
The addition of "many similar words" to the rewritten scroll suggests that God's revelation is not only preserved but can also be expanded to address new circumstances and needs.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Jehoiakim's rejection of the scroll challenge us to examine our own response to God's word?

2. In what ways can we emulate Baruch's faithfulness in preserving and sharing God's message in our own lives?

3. How does the indestructibility of God's word provide comfort and assurance in times of spiritual or cultural opposition?

4. What lessons can we learn from the contrast between Jehoiakim's and Josiah's responses to God's word?

5. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty in revelation to our understanding of current events and personal challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 22-23
The account of King Josiah, Jehoiakim's predecessor, who responded to the discovery of the Book of the Law with repentance and reform, contrasting Jehoiakim's rejection of God's word.

Isaiah 40:8
Emphasizes the enduring nature of God's word, which stands forever despite human attempts to suppress it.

Matthew 24:35
Jesus affirms the eternal nature of His words, echoing the theme of the indestructibility of divine revelation.