Overview

Jeremiah 36 recounts a pivotal moment in the prophet’s ministry where God commands him to write His words on a scroll to be read to the people of Judah. The message warns of impending judgment due to their persistent disobedience. Jeremiah, being restricted from entering the temple, dictates God’s words to his scribe Baruch, who then reads them aloud in the temple and later before the officials.

When King Jehoiakim hears the words, he reacts with defiance, cutting the scroll into pieces and burning it. Rather than repenting, he attempts to destroy God’s message. However, God commands Jeremiah to rewrite the scroll, adding even more words of judgment. This chapter underscores God’s unchanging word, human rebellion, and the futility of resisting God’s decrees.

The theological significance of Jeremiah 36 lies in the contrast between God’s enduring truth and human resistance to divine authority. Despite Jehoiakim’s attempt to erase God’s word, it remains unchanged. This passage demonstrates the authority, inerrancy, and indestructibility of Scripture, reinforcing the truth that God’s word will always be fulfilled, regardless of human opposition (Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 24:35).

Historical and Literary Context

Jeremiah 36 takes place during the fourth year of King Jehoiakim’s reign (605–604 B.C.), a time of great political instability. Babylon had begun to rise as a dominant power, and Judah was facing the consequences of turning away from God. Jehoiakim was a rebellious king who disregarded prophetic warnings, leading the nation deeper into sin and ultimately toward destruction.

The chapter is structured as a prophetic narrative, highlighting the role of written prophecy in God’s plan. Unlike previous messages delivered orally, God now commands Jeremiah to record His words in writing, ensuring that His warnings would be preserved. This signifies the importance of Scripture as God’s authoritative revelation to His people.

The destruction of the scroll by King Jehoiakim is an act of open defiance against God’s word, reflecting the hardness of his heart. Instead of leading Judah in repentance, he sought to silence the prophet. However, God’s command to rewrite the scroll demonstrates that His word cannot be destroyed, foreshadowing the preservation of Scripture through generations.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

The Authority and Preservation of God’s Word is a central theme in Jeremiah 36. The burning of the scroll did not negate the message-it was rewritten and reaffirmed. This illustrates God’s sovereignty in preserving His revelation, ensuring that His word endures forever (Psalm 119:89).

The Hardness of the Human Heart Against God’s Word is evident in King Jehoiakim’s reaction. Instead of humbling himself, he rejects and destroys the message, demonstrating the rebellious nature of sin. His actions mirror those who reject the gospel today, choosing spiritual blindness over repentance (John 3:19-20).

God’s Call to Repentance and the Consequences of Ignoring It is highlighted in this chapter. The message given to Jeremiah was meant to urge the people to turn from their sins. However, their rejection resulted in certain judgment. This reinforces the biblical truth that those who resist God’s word will face consequences (Romans 1:18).

The Role of Scripture in Proclaiming God’s Truth is emphasized as Jeremiah writes down God’s revelation for public reading. This underscores the importance of written Scripture in preserving and spreading divine truth, a principle that continues today through the Bible’s central role in the church (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Jeremiah 36 is a powerful reminder that God’s word is unshakable, human rebellion cannot erase divine truth, and those who reject God’s call to repentance will face judgment. It affirms the eternal nature of God’s revelation, the responsibility to respond to His message, and the certainty of divine justice.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Jeremiah 36:1-2 – God’s Command to Write His Words

“In the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ‘Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah till now.’”

God commands Jeremiah to record His prophetic words on a scroll, covering years of warnings and prophecies from Josiah’s reign to the present. This moment marks an important shift in how God’s messages are delivered-not just orally but in written form, reinforcing the authority and permanence of God’s word.

Application: God’s word is meant to be preserved and passed down. The Bible is not just a historical document but the living and active revelation of God (Hebrews 4:12). It is our responsibility to study, cherish, and uphold Scripture, ensuring that it continues to transform lives (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Jeremiah 36:3 – The Purpose of God’s Message: Repentance

“Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, they will each turn from their wicked ways; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.”

God’s goal in giving this message is not destruction, but repentance and forgiveness. Despite Judah’s continued rebellion, God still offers an opportunity for them to turn back. His warnings are an act of mercy, giving them time to change before judgment comes.

Application: God’s judgment is never without warning. He is patient and desires repentance, not destruction (2 Peter 3:9). Even today, God calls people to turn from sin and receive His grace through Jesus Christ. How are we responding to His warnings in our lives?

Jeremiah 36:4-7 – Jeremiah Dictates to Baruch

“So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and while Jeremiah dictated all the words the Lord had spoken to him, Baruch wrote them on the scroll. Then Jeremiah told Baruch, ‘I am restricted; I am not allowed to go to the Lord’s temple. So you go to the house of the Lord on a day of fasting and read to the people from the scroll the words of the Lord that you wrote as I dictated. Read them to all the people of Judah who come in from their towns.'”

Since Jeremiah is banned from the temple, he commissions Baruch to deliver God’s message. Baruch is faithful in his role as a scribe, acting as a messenger of God’s word. The reading is scheduled for a public fast, ensuring that many people hear the message.

Application: Even when obstacles prevent us from speaking directly, God provides ways for His word to be heard. Whether through preaching, Scripture distribution, or digital media, the truth of God cannot be silenced. Are we actively sharing God’s word, or are we allowing barriers to stop us?

Jeremiah 36:8-10 – Baruch Reads the Scroll in the Temple

“Baruch son of Neriah did everything Jeremiah the prophet told him to do; at the Lord’s temple he read the words of the Lord from the scroll… In the ninth month of the fifth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, a time of fasting before the Lord was proclaimed for all the people in Jerusalem and those who had come from the towns of Judah. From the room of Gemariah son of Shaphan the secretary, which was in the upper courtyard at the entrance of the New Gate of the temple, Baruch read to all the people at the Lord’s temple the words of Jeremiah from the scroll.”

Baruch follows Jeremiah’s instructions, reading the scroll publicly in a sacred location during a national fast. This strategic timing ensures spiritual readiness among the people. Hearing God’s word in a setting of fasting emphasizes the seriousness of the message.

Application: There are moments of spiritual openness when people are more receptive to God’s truth. Are we seizing opportunities to share His word at the right times? Just as Baruch was obedient to Jeremiah’s instructions, are we faithful in sharing God’s message, even when it is difficult?

Jeremiah 36:11-19 – The Officials Respond to the Scroll

“When Micaiah son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, heard all the words of the Lord from the scroll, he went down to the secretary’s room in the royal palace, where all the officials were sitting… After they put the scroll in the room of Elishama the secretary, they went to the king in the courtyard and reported everything to him.”

The reading creates urgency among some officials, who take the matter to the king. They recognize the seriousness of God’s warnings and respond with concern. However, their response differs from the king’s eventual defiant rejection.

Application: When confronted with God’s word, people either humbly receive it or arrogantly reject it. Are we responding with reverence, or are we hardening our hearts? (Hebrews 3:15).

Jeremiah 36:20-26 – Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll

“Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire.”

King Jehoiakim’s reaction is one of outright rebellion. Instead of repenting, he destroys the written word of God, showing complete disregard for divine authority. He even orders the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch, further proving his hardened heart.

Application: Many people today attempt to “destroy” God’s word-not by fire, but by ignoring, rejecting, or distorting it. However, no effort to silence Scripture can succeed. God’s word is eternal (Matthew 24:35).

Jeremiah 36:27-32 – God Commands Jeremiah to Rewrite the Scroll

“After the king burned the scroll containing the words that Baruch had written at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: ‘Take another scroll and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah burned up.'”

Jehoiakim’s defiance did not erase God’s word. Instead, God commands Jeremiah to rewrite the scroll, demonstrating the permanence and indestructibility of divine truth. The rewritten scroll includes additional words of judgment, reinforcing that rejecting God only leads to greater consequences.

Application: No human action can destroy God’s word. Attempts to suppress Christianity, remove the Bible from schools, or reject biblical truth will never succeed. Are we trusting in the unchanging power of Scripture, even when the world tries to silence it?

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Jeremiah 36 points to Christ as the fulfillment of God’s word and the ultimate revelation of divine truth. Just as Jehoiakim rejected and tried to destroy God’s written message, many rejected Jesus, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). The king’s attempt to silence God’s message foreshadows the world’s rejection of Christ, culminating in His crucifixion. However, just as God commanded Jeremiah to rewrite the scroll, demonstrating the indestructibility of His word, Jesus’ resurrection proved that no effort to suppress God’s truth can succeed. Christ came as the final and complete revelation of God’s will, fulfilling all that the prophets had spoken (Matthew 5:17). His gospel, like the rewritten scroll, continues to go forth despite human opposition.

Jeremiah’s role as a prophet, delivering God’s message even under persecution, mirrors Christ’s mission. Jesus proclaimed the kingdom, called people to repentance, and was rejected by the religious and political leaders of His time, just as Jeremiah’s warnings were dismissed. Baruch, Jeremiah’s faithful scribe, represents those who obediently proclaim God’s word despite opposition, much like the apostles and early church who carried forth Christ’s message despite severe persecution.

Jehoiakim’s rejection of the scroll symbolizes humanity’s natural resistance to divine authority, but Jesus’ coming fulfills the promise of a new and better covenant written not on scrolls but on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33). The rewritten scroll serves as a foreshadowing of the unbreakable New Covenant established by Christ, one that cannot be erased or destroyed by human hands.

Connection to the Father

This chapter reveals the Father’s sovereignty over history, ensuring that His word endures despite human rebellion. The command to write and rewrite the scroll emphasizes that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted. Even when kings reject Him, His authority remains absolute. The Father’s patience is seen in how He continuously provides opportunities for repentance, showing that He is not quick to judge but desires for people to turn back to Him (2 Peter 3:9).

The Father’s justice is evident in the judgment pronounced on Jehoiakim. While God is merciful, He does not allow willful disobedience to go unchecked. The destruction of Jehoiakim’s lineage and kingdom confirms that rejecting God’s authority leads to inevitable consequences. The Father is both loving and just, offering grace but ensuring that unrepentant sin is judged.

God’s decision to have the scroll rewritten demonstrates His unchanging nature. Human rulers and societies may try to eliminate or distort divine truth, but the Father ensures that His revelation remains intact, guiding generations to Himself. This underscores the reliability of Scripture, which has withstood the test of time and continues to reveal God’s character to the world.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is at work in Jeremiah 36, guiding the preservation and proclamation of God’s word. Jeremiah and Baruch are moved by the Spirit to record and proclaim the message despite opposition. This reflects the Spirit’s role in inspiring Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16) and empowering believers to boldly declare truth, even in hostile environments (Acts 4:31).

The contrast between Jehoiakim’s rejection and Baruch’s obedience illustrates how the Spirit convicts hearts. Those who harden themselves against God’s word, like Jehoiakim, resist the Spirit’s work and face judgment. However, those who respond with humility, like the officials who trembled at the reading of the scroll, show the Spirit’s influence in leading people toward repentance.

The rewriting of the scroll foreshadows the Spirit’s work under the New Covenant. While God’s law was once written on tablets and scrolls, the Spirit now writes His law on human hearts (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:26-27). This transformation enables believers to live in obedience not out of fear, but through the power of the indwelling Spirit.

Connection to God’s Love

Jeremiah 36 reveals God’s love through His relentless pursuit of His people. Instead of bringing immediate judgment, He gives them one more opportunity to repent by having His word recorded and publicly proclaimed. His willingness to communicate, warn, and call Judah back to Himself demonstrates His compassion and patience. He longs for sinners to turn and live, not perish in their rebellion (Ezekiel 18:32).

Even in the face of rejection, God does not abandon His people. The rewriting of the scroll shows His commitment to ensuring that His word remains available, offering hope and guidance. This reflects the way He continually reaches out to humanity, ultimately sending Christ as the final and perfect revelation of His love.

God’s promise of judgment upon Jehoiakim is not an act of cruelty but of righteousness. Love is not the absence of justice, but the fulfillment of it. Just as He disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), God’s response to Judah’s rebellion is an expression of His righteous character. He does not tolerate sin indefinitely because true love seeks restoration and purity, not the enabling of evil.

The rewritten scroll serves as a powerful picture of redemption. Though Judah rejected God’s message, His word was given anew, showing that God’s love provides second chances. This points directly to Christ, who offers sinners new life through His death and resurrection. No matter how far someone has turned from God, His love calls them back, offering forgiveness and renewal to all who will receive it.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “The Indestructible Word of God”

Introduction

Open with an illustration about the durability of important documents, such as the U.S. Constitution or ancient manuscripts, which have survived the test of time despite wars and disasters. These documents endure, but none compare to the eternal nature of God’s word.

Introduce the main theme: God’s word is eternal, unshakable, and authoritative. People may reject, ignore, or try to destroy it, but His truth remains and will be fulfilled. In Jeremiah 36, King Jehoiakim burns the scroll containing God’s words, but instead of silencing God, the message is rewritten and reaffirmed.

1. The Call to Proclaim God’s Word (Jeremiah 36:1-10)

God commands Jeremiah to write down His words so that the people might hear, repent, and be forgiven. Since Jeremiah is banned from the temple, he entrusts Baruch to read the scroll publicly during a fast, ensuring that as many people as possible hear God’s message.

Key Point: God’s word must be proclaimed, not hidden.

Application:

• Like Jeremiah and Baruch, we are called to share God’s word boldly. Whether through preaching, personal evangelism, or digital media, we must speak truth despite opposition.
• Are we actively sharing God’s message? Or are we silent out of fear?

Illustration: A missionary smuggles Bibles into a closed country despite persecution, just as Baruch risked his safety to proclaim God’s word.

2. The Human Response to God’s Word (Jeremiah 36:11-26)

The message reaches the palace officials, some of whom take it seriously and bring it to King Jehoiakim. However, instead of repenting, the king cuts the scroll into pieces and burns it. His act represents a deliberate rejection of God’s authority.

Key Point: People either receive God’s word with humility or reject it in rebellion.

Application:

• Many today try to “burn” God’s word-not with fire, but by ignoring, distorting, or silencing it.
• When confronted with God’s truth, do we respond like the officials who feared the Lord, or like Jehoiakim, who hardened his heart?

Illustration: A college professor mocks the Bible as outdated and tries to discredit its message, yet despite attacks, God’s word continues to transform lives.

3. The Indestructibility of God’s Word (Jeremiah 36:27-32)

After Jehoiakim burns the scroll, God commands Jeremiah to rewrite it with additional words of judgment. This demonstrates that God’s word cannot be destroyed. No human effort can silence divine truth.

Key Point: God’s word is eternal, unbreakable, and always fulfilled.

Application:

• Attempts to erase God’s word will always fail. The Bible has survived centuries of persecution and continues to impact the world.
• God’s message will endure, but will we embrace it?

Illustration: In communist nations where Bibles were banned, underground churches still thrived because believers memorized Scripture and shared it secretly.

Conclusion

Summarize the key lessons:

• God’s word must be proclaimed, regardless of opposition.
• Our response to Scripture determines whether we receive God’s blessing or His judgment.
• No effort to suppress God’s word will ever succeed.

Call to Action:

• Are you making time to hear and obey God’s word?
• If God is calling you to repentance, will you respond today?
• Commit to standing firm in faith, trusting that God’s word is unshakable and eternal.

Close with a prayer for courage to share the gospel, hearts that respond with obedience, and faith to trust in the unchanging truth of God’s word.

Illustrations and Examples

• A missionary smuggling Bibles parallels Baruch’s role in proclaiming God’s word despite opposition.
• A professor rejecting biblical authority mirrors Jehoiakim’s attempt to silence God’s truth.
• A modern nation banning the Bible demonstrates how no government can ultimately erase God’s word, just as the rewritten scroll proved the endurance of divine revelation.
• A believer reading the Bible despite persecution showcases how true disciples hunger for God’s word, no matter the cost.

Application for Today’s Christian

Commit to Proclaiming the Truth

Just as Jeremiah and Baruch faithfully recorded and shared God’s word, Christians today must boldly speak biblical truth in a world that increasingly rejects it (Matthew 28:19-20).

Respond with Humility, Not Resistance

Jehoiakim’s response represents spiritual rebellion, while those who trembled at the reading of the scroll show proper reverence. We must ensure that our hearts remain soft and receptive to Scripture (James 1:22).

Trust in the Power and Endurance of Scripture

Despite attacks throughout history, God’s word has never been destroyed. Believers should have confidence in its truth and rely on Scripture as their ultimate guide (Isaiah 40:8).

Live by the Word, Not Just Hear It

It is not enough to own a Bible; we must live according to its teachings. The power of God’s word is demonstrated in obedience and transformed lives (Psalm 119:11).

Encourage Others to Stay Rooted in Scripture

Believers should encourage family, friends, and fellow Christians to stand firm in biblical truth, even in the face of cultural opposition (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Jeremiah 36 reminds us that God’s word is eternal, powerful, and unshakable. Whether we accept or reject it determines whether we receive His blessings or face His judgment. The question remains: How will we respond?

Reflection Questions

1. In Jeremiah 36, God commands Jeremiah to write down His words. What does this reveal about the importance of preserving and sharing Scripture?
2. How does this passage affirm the indestructibility and authority of God’s word? How does this encourage you in your faith?
3. In what ways do people today try to “destroy” or silence God’s word? How can believers respond to these challenges?
4. When Jehoiakim heard the scroll read aloud, he cut it up and burned it instead of repenting. What does this teach us about the danger of rejecting God’s truth?
5. How do people today respond to difficult truths in Scripture? Have you ever struggled to accept a command from God’s word? How did you handle it?
6. The palace officials showed concern when they heard the scroll being read, but they were fearful of the king’s reaction. How can fear keep us from fully obeying God’s word?