Jeremiah 36:6 - Therefore you go, and read from the scroll which you have written from my mouth, Yahweh’s words, in the ears of the people in Yahweh’s house on the fast day. Also you shall read them in the ears of all Judah who come out of their cities.

Generated Verse: Jeremiah 36:6

What does "Jeremiah 36:6" mean?


Jeremiah 36:6 is a pivotal instruction within the broader context of Jeremiah chapter 36. Let's break down the meaning:

"Therefore you go...": This "you" refers to Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe. Since Jeremiah was under some kind of restriction (likely either imprisoned or under house arrest, preventing him from going to the temple), he instructs Baruch to act in his stead.

"...and read from the scroll which you have written from my mouth...": This emphasizes the divine origin of the message. Baruch wasn't reading his own opinions or interpretations; he was reading a scroll containing the very words that Jeremiah had dictated to him, which Jeremiah had received from God. It highlights the importance of accurate transmission of God's message.

"...Yahweh's words...": This further reinforces the divine authority of the text. The scroll contains a direct message from God, not just a human opinion. This lends immense weight to the pronouncements contained within.

"...in the ears of the people in Yahweh’s house on the fast day.": This specifies the where, who, and when of the reading. The "Yahweh's house" refers to the temple in Jerusalem. The "fast day" was a day set aside for public repentance, prayer, and seeking God's forgiveness, usually in response to a national crisis or threat. By reading the scroll on a day of fasting and repentance, the message would hopefully reach people who were already in a receptive state of mind.

"Also you shall read them in the ears of all Judah who come out of their cities.": This expands the target audience beyond those who normally attended the temple in Jerusalem. It indicates that Baruch was to read the scroll to all the people of Judah who traveled into Jerusalem for the Fast Day. This highlights the urgency and importance of the message; it was not just for those already in Jerusalem, but for everyone in the region. The hope was that these people would then take the message back to their own communities.

In summary: Jeremiah, prevented from going to the temple himself, instructs Baruch to read aloud a scroll containing God's words. This reading is to take place in the temple on a fast day and to all of Judah. The purpose is to convey God's message of warning and judgment to the people of Judah, hoping to provoke repentance and avert further disaster.

Contextual Significance:

Warning of Judgment: The book of Jeremiah is largely a prophecy of impending judgment on Judah because of their persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. The scroll likely contained warnings of invasion, destruction, and exile if the people did not repent.

Opportunity for Repentance: Despite the harsh message, there was always an implicit call for repentance. By hearing the words of God, the people had a chance to turn from their wicked ways and avoid the predicted consequences.

Courage and Obedience: Both Jeremiah and Baruch demonstrated courage and obedience in carrying out God's command, even though they knew that the message would likely be met with hostility and rejection (as it eventually was).

This verse represents a crucial moment in the unfolding drama of Jeremiah's ministry, illustrating his faithfulness to God's call and the importance of conveying God's message to a rebellious people.

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