The word that Jeremiah the prophet spake unto Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying,
The word that Jeremiah the prophet spake unto Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying, This chapter provides personal pastoral counsel to Jeremiah's faithful scribe Baruch. The chronological notation (fourth year of Jehoiakim, 605 BCE) links this directly to chapter 36—the writing of the scroll Jehoiakim would burn. Baruch's discouragement apparently arose from the enormous labor of writing and the danger of association with Jeremiah's unpopular message.
The phrase "at the mouth of Jeremiah" (mipiy Yirmeyahu) reiterates the inspiration process—Baruch transcribed Jeremiah's dictated oracles. Yet Baruch himself now receives prophetic word, elevating him from mere scribe to recipient of divine revelation. This demonstrates God's awareness and care for faithful servants, even those in supporting rather than leading roles. No faithful service escapes divine notice or reward.
Theologically, this verse establishes:
God speaks personally to discouraged servants about their specific struggles
support roles in God's work (like Baruch's scribal service) receive divine attention and encouragement
the costs of faithful service (danger, labor, discouragement) are not ignored by God
Scripture includes pastoral encouragement for ordinary believers, not just dramatic prophetic pronouncements.
This chapter comforts all who serve faithfully in unglamorous, costly roles.
Historical Context
Baruch ben Neriah served as Jeremiah's scribe and companion throughout his ministry. Archaeological discovery of a seal impression (bulla) bearing the name "Berekhyahu [Baruch] son of Neriyahu [Neriah]" from this period has been authenticated, possibly belonging to this very Baruch. Such seals authenticated documents, indicating Baruch's significant role in preservation and transmission of Scripture.
The fourth year of Jehoiakim (605 BCE) was pivotal: Babylon defeated Egypt at Carchemish, establishing Nebuchadnezzar's empire. Jeremiah's prophecies of Babylonian conquest were being vindicated, making association with him increasingly dangerous. Baruch faced real persecution risk for his service. Jewish tradition remembers Baruch as a faithful scribe who accompanied Jeremiah to Egypt (43:6-7) and possibly compiled and edited the book of Jeremiah, explaining its preservation for later generations.
Questions for Reflection
How does God's personal address to Baruch encourage you if you serve in a supporting role rather than public leadership?
In what ways does faithful service that appears costly or unrewarded in the present find its true value in God's perspective?
What would it mean for you to hear God's voice addressing your specific discouragements and struggles?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The word that Jeremiah the prophet spake unto Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying, This chapter provides personal pastoral counsel to Jeremiah's faithful scribe Baruch. The chronological notation (fourth year of Jehoiakim, 605 BCE) links this directly to chapter 36—the writing of the scroll Jehoiakim would burn. Baruch's discouragement apparently arose from the enormous labor of writing and the danger of association with Jeremiah's unpopular message.
The phrase "at the mouth of Jeremiah" (mipiy Yirmeyahu) reiterates the inspiration process—Baruch transcribed Jeremiah's dictated oracles. Yet Baruch himself now receives prophetic word, elevating him from mere scribe to recipient of divine revelation. This demonstrates God's awareness and care for faithful servants, even those in supporting rather than leading roles. No faithful service escapes divine notice or reward.
Theologically, this verse establishes:
This chapter comforts all who serve faithfully in unglamorous, costly roles.