Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 36

Verses 1-32

MORE MESSAGES FOR JEHOIAKIM

This lesson opens with the story of the Rechabites (chap. 35). Jeremiah 35:6-7 show the origin of their name and their “order,” to quote a modern term. The principles of the latter were (1) abstinence form strong drink; (2) voluntary poverty; and (3) a nomadic life.

Jeremiah 35:11 gives the explanation of their presence in Jerusalem. Jeremiah 35:12-17 furnish the cause for Jeremiah’s action in the premises, who is to use these followers of Rechab as a kind of object-lesson for Judah. Jeremiah 35:18-19 are a benediction on them for fidelity to their vows. These vows were severely tested in one particular at least, as we see in Jeremiah 35:3-6 . By comparing 2 Kings 10:15 it will be seen that the founder of the Rechabites was prominent in Jehu’s time, and a maintainer of the true worship who assisted in the overthrow of Ahab’s power.

Chapter 36 requires little explanation. Jeremiah 36:1-4 witness to Jeremiah’s authorship. Jeremiah 36:5 shows him again a prisoner. At Jeremiah 36:9 a new section begins, in that Baruch who previously read the book in the court of the temple now has another opportunity to do so, the immediate outcome of which is stated in Jeremiah 36:11-15 . From this incident grows another, namely, the interest of the princes both in the words of the book and the human author of them (Jeremiah 36:16-19 ). At last their contents are set before the king (Jeremiah 36:20-22 ), whose contemptuous treatment of them in the face of earnest protest is recorded (Jeremiah 36:23-25 ). What divine judgment is pronounced against him (Jeremiah 36:29-31 )? And what is the further history of the words given to the prophet (Jeremiah 36:27-28 ; Jeremiah 36:32 )? Not that in this new collection of writings we have more than a copy of the old, a much fuller record of Jehovah’s revelations to the prophet. Note also the last clause of Jeremiah 36:26 . How the Lord may have “hid them” is not revealed, but the fact recalls how Martin Luther was protected by God through the friendly and powerful Elector in the Wartburg.

QUESTIONS

1. Give your recollection of the founder of the Rechabites as recorded in 2 Kings?

2. What were the principles of their “order”?

3. How did they happen to be in Jerusalem?

4. Tell the story of Jesus’s testing of them; 5. What object had he in view?

6. What lessons may be gathered from the story?

7. Tell the story of chapter 36 in your own words.

8. What lessons may be gathered from it?