Jeremiah 36:17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 36:9-19

It should seem that Baruch had been frequently reading out of the book, to all companies that would give him the hearing, before the most solemn reading of it altogether which is here spoken of; for the directions were given about it in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, whereas this was done in the fifth year, Jer. 36:9. But some think that the writing of the book fairly over took up so much time that it was another year ere it was perfected; and yet perhaps it might not be past a month or two; he... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 36:17

And they asked Baruch ,.... The following question, which may seem at first sight an odd, needless, and trifling one, as some have called it: saying, tell us now, how didst thou write all these words at his mouth ? this question does not regard the manner of writing them, whether with ink or not, for that they could see with their eyes, and yet Baruch's answer seems to have respect to this, as if he so understood them; nor barely the matter of them, as whether it was the substance of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 36:17

How didst thou write all these words? - At his mouth? - So the text should be pointed. They wished to know whether he had not copied them, or whether he wrote as Jeremiah prophesied. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 36:17

Verse 17 The king’s counsellors were, no doubt, so astonished when they heard that these threatenings had been written as the Prophet had dictated them, that they were agitated by different thoughts, as the unbelieving are wont to be; and not receiving as they ought to have done, the heavenly doctrine, they vacillated, and could not pursue a uniform course. Such, then, was the uncertainty that possessed the minds of the princes; for they could hardly believe that these words had been delivered... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 36:1-32

CHAPTERS 36-38. NARRATIVE OF EVENTS PRECEDING THE SIEGE OF JERUSALEM . Jeremiah 36:1-32 . THE ROLL OF PROPHECY DESTROYED BY JEHOIAKIM . Now, it is remarkable, and points the way to a solution of the problem, that Jeremiah 25:1-38 . is said ( Jeremiah 25:1 ) to have been written in the very same year to which the narrative before us refers, and that it is mainly concerned with the invasion of Nebuchadnezzar and its consequences (indeed, entirely... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 36:1-32

Hearers of God's Word. This chapter brings before us an instructive variety of these hearers. I. SUCH AS THE PROPHET . To him and such as he the Word of God came, and was received with reverent submission and diligently obeyed at all costs. They could say, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth." II. SUCH AS THE PEOPLE GENERALLY . ( Jeremiah 36:10 .) The mass seemed unaffected. We do not read of their being in any wise wrought upon by what they had heard. But... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 36:16-18

The mystery of inspiration. I. THE NATURAL DESIRE TO SOLVE IT . 1 . This has its root in mere curiosity. A desire to know for the sake of knowing—laudable enough in itself, but in danger of passing into irreverence and idle speculation. Religious movements and supernatural phenomena have excited this wonder in all ages. Religion interests many as a problem, where it is refused attention or respect as a law. 2 . This is increased by the attraction of the forbidden and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 36:17

How didst thou write all these words at his mouth! Two questions seem to be combined here—"How didst thou write all these words?" and "Didst thou write it all at his mouth?" Baruch's answer is good for both. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 36:17

The scroll might have been drawn up by Baruch from memoranda of his own without the prophet’s direct authority. The princes therefore did not ask from curiosity, but to obtain necessary information. read more

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