Upon the fasting day . The mention of the fast day suggests that Jeremiah 36:9 is out of its place, which again confirms the view that the narrative before us has received its present form from an editor. In the ears of all Judah (see Jeremiah 36:9 ). read more
Things new and old. I. THE OLD . The message itself was old. It had been proclaimed before in parts and on different occasions. There was not, indeed, opportunity for anything new. The audience also was to some extent old. But then let it always be understood that God speaks according to the necessities of the case, not according to the itching ear of man ever clamouring for novelty and relief from ennui. "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither wilt they be persuaded though... read more
They will present their supplication; literally, their supplication will fall . The phrase seems to be suggested by the gesture of a suppliant. Hence humility is one idea; but success is entirely another. That which lights down before one's eyes cannot be disregarded. Hence, in Jeremiah 37:20 and Jeremiah 42:2 , the Authorized Version renders, "be accepted." This is, at any rate, a better rendering than that quoted above, which is both weak in itself and obscures the connection. And... read more
In the fourth year of Jehoiakim - See Jeremiah 25:1 note. The present chapter belongs to the very end of that year. The capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar took place early in Jehoiakim’s fourth year, long before the writing of Jehoiakim’s scroll. The humiliation seems to have sunk deeply into the heart of Jehoiakim, and when Jeremiah prophesied extended dominion to the Chaldaeans Jeremiah 36:29, his anger knew no bounds. It was the fact that judgment had begun which made it expedient to... read more
A roll of a book - A parchment-scroll, consisting of several skins sewn together, and cut of an even breadth, with a piece of wood at one end (or, in case of larger volumes, at both ends) on which to roll them up.Write therein all the words ... - The phrase means that the roll was to contain “all the counsel of God” Acts 20:27 upon the special point mentioned in Jeremiah 36:3; and that the prophet was not to keep anything back. read more
Compare Jeremiah 26:3. In point of date Jeremiah 26:0: is immediately prior to the present. read more
Shut up - Hindered from going; perhaps through fear of Jehoiakim. read more
The fasting day - A fasting day. Baruch was to wait for a proper opportunity Jeremiah 36:9. read more
They will present their supplication - i. e., humbly. See the margin. The phrase also contained the idea of the prayer being accepted. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 36:5-21
The reading of the roll. I. THE READER . Baruch, the secretary of Jeremiah, is sent to read the roll. We do not know what cause detains the prophet. He has often made bold utterances in public before this. But if he cannot go the truth must not be hidden. "The Word of God is not bound" ( 2 Timothy 2:9 ). Truth is more important than the speaker. It matters little who is the messenger; all importance attaches to the message. Men forget this when they run after a Jeremiah and neglect a... read more