Jeremiah 36:8

So Baruch son of Neriah did everything that Jeremiah the prophet had commanded him. In the house of the LORD he read the words of the LORD from the scroll.

Study Bible

So Baruch son of Neriah
Baruch, whose name means "blessed" in Hebrew, was a faithful scribe and companion to the prophet Jeremiah. His lineage, being the son of Neriah, suggests a family of some standing, possibly with priestly or noble connections. Baruch's role as a scribe was crucial in a time when literacy was not widespread, and his dedication to Jeremiah's mission highlights the importance of supporting roles in God's work. His faithfulness serves as an inspiration for believers to support and uphold God's message, even when it is challenging.

did everything Jeremiah the prophet had instructed him to do
This phrase underscores Baruch's obedience and trust in Jeremiah, who was a true prophet of God. The Hebrew root for "instructed" (צוה, tsavah) implies a command or charge, indicating that Baruch's actions were not merely suggestions but divinely inspired directives. This obedience is a model for Christians, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands through His appointed leaders, even when the task is daunting or dangerous.

at the LORD’s temple
The temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. By reading the scroll at the temple, Baruch was placing God's word at the heart of the community's spiritual life. This act signifies the importance of proclaiming God's word in places of worship, reminding believers that the church is a place where God's voice should be heard clearly and authoritatively.

he read the words of the LORD
The phrase "words of the LORD" emphasizes the divine origin of the message. In Hebrew, "word" (דבר, davar) can also mean "matter" or "thing," indicating the substantial and active nature of God's communication. Baruch's reading was not just a recitation but a proclamation of God's living and active word, which has the power to convict, guide, and transform. This highlights the responsibility of believers to faithfully communicate God's word, trusting in its inherent power.

from the scroll
The use of a scroll indicates the written preservation of God's message, a practice that underscores the importance of Scripture. In ancient times, scrolls were the primary medium for recording texts, and their use here signifies the permanence and authority of God's word. This serves as a reminder of the value of Scripture in the life of the believer, encouraging Christians to engage with the Bible as the enduring and authoritative word of God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Baruch son of Neriah
Baruch was the scribe and faithful companion of the prophet Jeremiah. He played a crucial role in documenting and proclaiming Jeremiah's prophecies.

2. Jeremiah the Prophet
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah was called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry was marked by perseverance amidst persecution.

3. The LORD’s Temple
The central place of worship for the Israelites in Jerusalem. It was a significant location for delivering God's messages to the people.

4. The Scroll
A written document containing the words of the LORD as given to Jeremiah. It symbolizes the importance of preserving and proclaiming God's word.

5. The Event of Reading
Baruch's public reading of the scroll in the temple was a significant act of obedience and proclamation, intended to call the people to repentance.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
Baruch's actions demonstrate the importance of faithfully carrying out God's commands, even when it involves personal risk or sacrifice.

The Power of God's Word
The reading of the scroll in the temple illustrates the transformative power of Scripture to convict and guide people back to God.

Role of a Faithful Servant
Baruch's example shows the value of supporting God's work through various roles, whether as a leader or a scribe, each part is vital in God's plan.

Public Proclamation of Faith
The act of reading the scroll publicly encourages believers to boldly share God's word in their communities, trusting in its impact.

Perseverance in Ministry
Despite challenges, Baruch and Jeremiah's commitment to their mission teaches the importance of perseverance in serving God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Baruch's obedience to Jeremiah's instructions challenge us in our own walk with God?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are faithfully proclaiming God's word in our own "temples" or communities?

3. How does the role of Baruch as a scribe and supporter of Jeremiah's ministry inspire us to find our place in God's work?

4. What are some modern-day challenges we might face when publicly proclaiming our faith, and how can we overcome them?

5. How can we apply the lesson of perseverance from Baruch and Jeremiah's ministry to our personal and communal spiritual journeys?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 22
The discovery of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign parallels the reading of the scroll by Baruch, emphasizing the power of God's word to bring about repentance and reform.

Acts 8
Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch highlights the importance of understanding and proclaiming Scripture, similar to Baruch's role in making God's word known.

Isaiah 55:11
This verse underscores the effectiveness of God's word, which aligns with the purpose of Baruch's reading to bring about change in the hearts of the people.