Read Jeremiah 45
A Message to Baruch
45 When Baruch son of Neriah wrote on a scroll the words Jeremiah the prophet dictated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, Jeremiah said this to Baruch: 2 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: 3 You said, ‘Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.’ 4 But the Lord has told me to say to you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. 5 Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’”
Go Deeper
Before we distance ourselves from Baruch and critique his attitude in this chapter, let’s remember, none of us would willingly sign up for his assignment. We first learned about him in Jeremiah 36. Baruch was a scribe. He was educated, competent, and most likely had access to the King’s counselors. His grandfather was governor of Jerusalem under King Josiah (Jer. 32:12) and his brother held an important position under King Zedekiah of Judah (Jer. 51:59). And, at some point in his life, he was called to record the messages that Jeremiah received, even reading them aloud in the temple since Jeremiah was restricted from entering.
Jeremiah was not popular nor politically powerful. He was scorned, rejected, and persecuted by his own people because of his prophetic messages. Baruch was guilty by association. His proximity to Jeremiah made him unpopular and unwelcome by his own people, too. It may be speculation, but it’s not hard to imagine Baruch’s life may not have turned out the way he thought. Don’t forget, this assignment was not a short term mission. Baruch and Jeremiah persevered through 18 years of service together.
It’s understandable, then, that we get a glimpse of Baruch’s humanity and honesty when he says, “I am weary.” Who wouldn’t be? Imagine telling your friends and neighbors to repent before impending judgment and destruction…for 18 years. It’s not exactly a fun message.
Before we label God’s response to Baruch as harsh, let’s remember that God spoke directly and personally to Baruch in the middle of his crisis of faith. God doesn’t sympathize with Baruch, but he does admonish and encourage Baruch. At first glance, it may not appear like encouragement, but God is reminding Baruch that rest is found in the Sovereign control of God. God is the one who builds. God is the one who tears down. God is in control. Rest is not found in seeking great things for oneself. Greatness-on this side of heaven-is short-sighted and fleeting.
What’s so remarkable about these verses is that they are preserved in Scripture. Think about it. God pens 6 verses to a minor character in history. A man who accompanied and assisted a prophet of God. A man who we would consider a background character, not to mention a B-list character who feels sorry for himself. Yet, God speaks to him. The fact that God would take time to even address Baruch personally reveals God’s character—He cares. We matter to God. One person mattered. So did the thousands in Judah. He is both personal and powerful.
This is the last mention of Baruch in all of Scripture. The final time his name is mentioned; however, it’s important to remember: one sentence of frustration does not cancel out Baruch’s obedience and faithfulness. Said another way, a moment of despair is simply a snapshot of Baruch’s life, not the entire picture. His one sentence of frustration exposes his humanity, not the whole of his character. His obedience was greater than his selfish ambition.
How do we know that? The fact that we are reading Jeremiah’s messages from God is due to Baruch’s faithfulness and obedience to finish the work God asked of him. It’s one thing to want to quit, it’s another to quit. Remember: God is in control. There is a bigger story unfolding. Keep showing up. God cares more than we know. He will be faithful to his people. Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Questions
- How do you relate to Baruch?
- Would people around you say you are seeking great things for yourself or for God?
- What does it mean to you that these six verses are preserved in Scripture?
Keep Digging
Check out this interesting article about Baruch from BibleTools.org:
“Traditional Irish history indicates that God indeed preserved Baruch through not just the harrowing years of Judah’s fall to Babylon but also through a long journey with Jeremiah to the British Isles, accompanying the king’s daughters to safety with another branch of the House of Judah, healing the breach (Genesis 38:27-30). Just as He promised, God did not forsake him, bringing him safely to a kind of Promised Land. If our priorities are right, He will do the same for us.”
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6 thoughts on “Jeremiah 45”
First of all, what an amazingly written commentary on this chapter! Thank you BRP for being a tool to help us understand and embrace the truth of scripture. I identify with Baruch, especially right now as we are winding up another year of school. It’s physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. It’s that last leg of the race that’s hardest. It matters where we cast our gaze, downward on our hardships, or upward on our Savior. I’m reminded that “God sees, and he will see to it”. Nothing escapes his knowledge, no sorrow, no injustice, no hardship. His word declares “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Agree! and Amen! Thank you BRP!
Amen. Yes. God is honest. Times are bad. They won’t get better for a while. I see you. I will preserve your life. Stay obedient.
Attitude. What is your attitude this morning? Feeling good? Feeling angry? Feeling sorry for yourself? Is this day punctuated by “me” or “I’. What about God? Why are you here at this time, for these moments? To live and serve our risen Savior. To be His hands and feet today in these minutes. God meets us right where we are, in joy or selfishness. God’s nature is not to give us what we want but to give us what we need. Sometimes a attitude adjustment. In all situations there are always, always things to be thankful for. We need to dwell on what is, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things,(Phil 4:8) praise God for these things, and be grateful. This world is but a drop in the bucket, a blink of an eye, a poof of time compared to the joy that awaits us.
God thank You that You are my first thought when I wake up and how can I serve You today, this is my desire for all the rest of my days. God help it to be so. God in all situations help me to truly be thankful, grateful and praising You. Help my thoughts to be whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. God I am sorry for making things, situations, and ideas about me. Thank You for helping me to renew my mind to You constantly and minutely in Jesus name amen.
WOOHOO!!!!!!!!
Commentary really made the circumstances and details come to light! Thank you!
3 “You said, ‘Woe is me! For the Lord has added sorrow to my pain. I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.’”
“Weary” has been on my mind and in my Bible reading a lot these days. Not growing weary in well-doing (Gal 6) as well as Isaiah 40 (“neither faints nor is weary “, “shall run and not be weary”, etc.
Weary seems to be a frequent human condition absent God’s presence and power!