Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 45

Verses 1-5

JEREMIAH - CHAPTER 45

A WORD FOR BARUCH

A WORD FOR BARUCH

1. This brief passage looks back to an event that occurred in 605 B.C. (vs. 1), in th fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign; in chronological order it would follow Jeremiah 36:8.

2. The writing referred to is the scroll on which Baruch wrote "from the mouth of Jeremiah" who was being held captive in the court of the guard, (Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 36:18; Jeremiah 36:32).

3. Baruch had been sent to read this prophetic message in the house of the Lord, as the people came in from the cities of Judah to observe a fast, (Jeremiah 36:6-10).

4. It appears that Baruch expected to make quite an impression as the spokesman of Jehovah on this occasion - persuading his fellow ­countrymen to turn back to Jehovah their God.

a. Here was a tremendous message from Jehovah, and he was the message bearer.

b. When the hearts of the people were turned back to Jehovah, a great deal of the credit would go to him for the might impact of his delivery I

c. He would be considered a great man - exalted in the eyes of the people.

d. But the result was not exactly what Baruch had dreamed; the message was despised, the scroll destroyed, Baruch humiliated, and his very life placed in jeopardy.

5. Jeremiah reveals the tendency of all human flesh, when its plans are frustrated, by unveiling the complaint of Baruch’s discouragement: "Woe is me now! for the Lord hath added grief to my sorrow!"

a. Not only had his hopes been frustrated, but his people were determined to destroy themselves!

b. Wearied with his groanings, he could find no rest! (comp. Galatians 6:9).

6. Jeremiah unveiled for Baruch the sorrowing heart of Jehovah who, for the honor of His own mane, must destroy the people He had so lovingly labored to preserve.

7. The seeking of greatness for one’s self lies at the very root of man’s problem.

a. Glory belongs to the Lord alone -though He will ultimately share it with those who have been faithful to Him in service, (Isaiah 42:8; Romans 8:18; Colossians 1:27; Colossians 3:4; 1 Peter 5:10; Revelation 21:23).

b. Thus, the Lord commands Baruch not to seek great things for himself (comp. 1 Kings 3:9; 1 Kings 3:11-13; 2 Kings 5:26-27; Matthew 6:33; 1 Peter 5:6); those in whose eyes he desires to be great are about to be destroyed! What of such greatness then?

c. How utterly foolish the man who tries to chart his own course through life! (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 3:5-6) He will end up trapped!

8. But, the Lord promises to spare Baruch’s life from the hands of his enemies; He alone is able to direct our steps wisely, and meet our every need, (Matthew 10:25-30; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 12:14-17).