Jeremiah 36:15
And they said unto him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read it in their ears.
Original Language Analysis
שֵׁ֣ב
unto him Sit down
H3427
שֵׁ֣ב
unto him Sit down
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
נָ֔א
H4994
נָ֔א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
4 of 9
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
now and read
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
now and read
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
5 of 9
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בְּאָזְנֵיהֶֽם׃
it in our ears
H241
בְּאָזְנֵיהֶֽם׃
it in our ears
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
6 of 9
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
now and read
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
now and read
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
7 of 9
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
Ancient texts were designed for oral performance. Reading aloud allowed verification of content and created communal engagement with the message. The princes' request for Baruch to sit suggests a formal audience, treating him with dignity despite his association with the controversial prophet. Court protocol typically required standing before royalty, so "sit" indicates a working session rather than judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does public reading and hearing of Scripture in your church compare to the practice demonstrated here?
- What happens in your heart when you sit under the reading of God's word—do you listen with the attentiveness these princes initially showed?
- How can Christian communities recover the practice of careful, repeated engagement with biblical texts?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they said unto him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears—The courteous invitation (שֵׁב־נָא, shev-na, "sit down, please") and request for oral reading suggests initial respect. So Baruch read it in their ears—For the third time, the scroll is read aloud, each reading expanding the circle of accountability: first the people (v.10), then Michaiah's private hearing (v.11-13), now the governmental leadership.
This pattern of progressive reading demonstrates how God's word should penetrate every level of society—from common people to political elite. Each audience must hear and respond. The repetition also builds narrative tension: with each reading, the stakes increase. Oral reading in Hebrew culture was the primary means of engaging texts; literacy was limited, making public reading essential.