Jeremiah 36:20-26 is about King Jehoiakim’s condemning and burning of the scroll containing the prophecies of Jeremiah, reflecting his defiance against God’s word and the consequences of rejecting divine messages.
20 So they went into the court to the king, having put the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the secretary, and they reported all the words to the king.
21 Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it from the chamber of Elishama the secretary. And Jehudi read it to the king and all the officials who stood beside the king.
22 It was the ninth month, and the king was sitting in the winter house, and there was a fire burning in the fire pot before him.
23 As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them into the fire in the fire pot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the fire pot.
24 Yet neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words was afraid, nor did they tear their garments.
25 Even when Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them.
26 And the king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son and Seraiah the son of Azriel and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel to seize Baruch the secretary and Jeremiah the prophet, but the Lord hid them.
Setting the Scene for Jeremiah 36:20-26
In Jeremiah chapter 36, we find the prophet Jeremiah dictating a message from the Lord to his scribe, Baruch. The scene is set in the winter of the fifth year of King Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah. Jeremiah had been banned from entering the temple, so he sends Baruch to read the scroll containing the words of the Lord to the people on a day of fasting.
Baruch goes to the temple and reads the scroll to a group of officials, including Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, who was one of the king’s advisors. As they hear the words of the Lord, they are deeply moved and decide to take the scroll to the king. When the king hears the message, he is sitting in his winter apartment with a fire burning in the firepot. As the scroll is read to him, he cuts it with a scribe’s knife and throws it into the fire, showing his defiance and rejection of the word of the Lord.
The scene is tense and dramatic, with the crackling fire providing a stark contrast to the solemn words being read from the scroll. King Jehoiakim’s actions reveal his hardened heart and refusal to heed the warnings of the prophet Jeremiah. The confrontation between the king and the word of the Lord sets the stage for the impending judgment that will come upon Judah for their disobedience.
What is Jeremiah 36:20-26 about?
It’s heartbreaking to witness King Jehoiakim’s blatant disregard for God’s word by burning the scroll containing Jeremiah’s prophecies. This act not only shows disobedience towards God but also a lack of reverence and respect for the divine messages being delivered through the prophet Jeremiah.
Imagine the immense courage it took for Jeremiah to deliver those prophecies, knowing the potential consequences he might face for speaking truth to power. Despite the risks, Jeremiah remained faithful to his calling, only to have his words scorned and destroyed by a king who chose to reject God’s message.
This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring and upholding God’s word, even when it challenges us or goes against our desires. It prompts us to reflect on our own attitudes towards divine guidance and the extent to which we are willing to heed His voice, even when it may be inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Understanding what Jeremiah 36:20-26 really means
The Book of Jeremiah, a prophetic text in the Old Testament, delves into a crucial moment in Jeremiah 36:20-26 where King Jehoiakim of Judah reacts to a scroll containing God’s words. This passage sheds light on themes of rejecting divine guidance, the repercussions of disobedience, and the unwavering persistence of God’s message despite human resistance.
In this narrative, the king’s initial interest is evident as he sends Jehudi to retrieve the scroll, showcasing a flicker of curiosity about God’s message. However, as the words are read aloud, Jehoiakim’s response turns to disdain and rejection. He callously cuts and burns sections of the scroll, symbolizing his outright contempt for God’s word and a stark refusal to heed its message.
The king’s and his attendants’ lack of fear or repentance, as they witness the reading of the scroll, highlights the hardness of their hearts and their refusal to acknowledge their wrongdoing. Their actions serve as a stark contrast to instances like King Josiah’s repentance in 2 Kings 22:11 upon hearing the Law, emphasizing the significance of humility and obedience in the face of divine instruction.
Despite the king’s attempts to silence God’s messengers, the passage reveals God’s protective hand over Jeremiah and Baruch, underscoring the futility of human efforts to thwart God’s plans. This aligns with Isaiah 55:11, emphasizing that God’s word will always prevail and accomplish its intended purpose, regardless of human resistance.
Today, the rejection of truth, the consequences of disobedience, and the assurance of God’s protection and persistence remain relevant. Just as in the biblical account, many still turn a blind eye to God’s truths, facing the repercussions of their actions. However, the passage serves as a poignant reminder that God’s word is unyielding, offering protection to those who faithfully proclaim His message.
In a modern context, envision a whistleblower unveiling critical information only to have it dismissed and destroyed by authorities, akin to Jehoiakim’s reaction. Yet, just as truth eventually surfaces in the anecdote, God’s word stands firm, indestructible, and unwavering in fulfilling its purpose.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 36:20-26 urges us to reflect on our responses to divine messages, emphasizing the importance of respecting and heeding God’s word. It challenges us to embrace humility, obedience, and faithfulness, knowing that God’s word endures and His plans are unstoppable, offering hope and guidance in a world filled with uncertainties.
How can we stay faithful even when facing opposition?
We can stay faithful even when facing opposition by remembering that God’s word is powerful and cannot be silenced by the threats or actions of others. We can trust that God’s truth will always prevail, no matter the obstacles or challenges we may face, just as the king rewrote Jeremiah’s scroll containing God’s message after burning it. We can remain steadfast in our faith even in the midst of opposition by relying on the strength and authority of God’s word.
Furthermore, we can stay faithful by keeping our focus on God rather than the opposition we encounter. We too can maintain our trust in God’s faithfulness and promises, just as Jeremiah continued to faithfully proclaim God’s message despite the threats against him. We can persevere in our faith and overcome any opposition that may come our way by fixing our eyes on God and seeking His guidance and strength.
Lastly, we can stay faithful by recognizing that obedience to God is ultimately more important than the approval or acceptance of others. Even when facing opposition, we can choose to obey God’s commands and follow His leading, knowing that He is sovereign and worthy of our trust and devotion. We can remain faithful in the face of opposition and experience the peace and strength that comes from walking in obedience to God by prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else.
Application
Reflect on Jeremiah 36:20-26, where ignoring warnings led to consequences. Let this passage teach us to heed God’s word, guiding our actions. Stay connected to His wisdom, aligning our lives with His will. Are you listening to God and following His guidance in your life?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.