Jeremiah 36:23 - Exposition

Three or four leaves; rather, columns or compartments . "Leaves" would imply that it was a book out of which Jehudi read, Whereas it was a roll ( m'gillah never has any other meaning). But "books" were not yet known, nor would a knife have been necessary to separate the pages. He cut it. The subject may be either the king or Jehudi (at the bidding of the king). The term implies that the action of cutting was repeated several times; but we are not to suppose that each successive portion was cut off as it was read. The indignation of the hearer translated itself into the repeated mutilation of the roll, until all the roll was (east into the fire and) consumed. With the penknife ; literally, with the scribe's knife. On the hearth; rather, in the chafing dish (or, brazier ) .