Jeremiah

Jeremiah 36:1-7

The fourth year of Jehoiakim is 605_B.C.  Jehoiakim reigned from 609-597_B.C.  The prophecies were to be written in the hopes that that the collection of written prophecy might have an effect that the spoken words hadn't had.  The 'perhaps' is the open door and calling of the Lord that as individuals (they will each turn); the nation would be judged but the individuals could repent and find peace with God.  Jeremiah dictated to his scribe, Baruch; his first prophecy was in 627_B.C.  The size of the scroll containing 22 years of ministry would be significant.

Jeremiah may have been restricted from the temple after his temple sermon (26:1-24).  The day of fasting would mean a huge crowd at the temple. 

Jeremiah 36:8-10

The reading of the scroll is in the 9^th month of the fifth year, possibly showing how long it took to write this.  Shaphan was the royal secretary under the reign of King Josiah.  It was Shaphan who discovered the book of the law, read it and reported to Josiah its contents.  The initiated sweeping reform (2 kings 22).  This appears to be the same Shaphan mentioned in 26:14; if so, then Gemariah was the brother of the man who stuck up for Jeremiah when the priests and prophets were going to kill him. 

Jeremiah 36:11-26

What a contrast we see in a generation; Josiah repented and tore his clothes at the reading of the book of the law Shaphan discovered.  But Jehoiakim arrogantly cuts the scroll as it is read and burns it, as if that would make the truth of the words disappear.  The secretaries all had a sense this scroll was serious business.  The words caused them to fear.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Jeremiah 36:27-32

The Lord's words would not go away so easily.  They return to Jehoiakim but with a personal message for him.  His family would be cut off.  He would die and his body disgraced.  No one would give him a decent burial.  He did not act like a king, he would not be buried like a king. 

The scroll was replaced with all the words that were on the first and then the last line is added; "and many similar words were added to them."  The second scroll was expanded and revised.  The truth continued to pile up and become testimony against these people who were destined to judgment.  Their actions confirm God's judgment is just and deserved.

©2018 Doug Ford