In Jeremiah 36 What Does The Act Of Writing And Reading The Scroll Signify For The Prophetic Ministry Of Jeremiah?
The Power of the Written Word in Jeremiah 36
Jeremiah 36 is a remarkable chapter that highlights the importance of recording and proclaiming God's word through the act of writing and reading a scroll. In this passage, God commands Jeremiah to write all the words He has spoken "against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations" since the days of Josiah (Jeremiah 36:2 ASV). This directive carries deep theological significance for Jeremiah's prophetic ministry and for all who revere the authority of Scripture.
1. Preserving God's Revelation
The command to write serves to preserve God's message. Oral proclamation was vital, but writing ensured that God's words would endure, even when the prophet could not speak in person. When Jeremiah was "shut up" and unable to go to the temple, he instructed Baruch to read the words of the scroll to the people (Jeremiah 36:5-6 ASV).
And Jeremiah commanded Baruch, saying, I am shut up; I cannot go into the house of Jehovah: therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of Jehovah in the ears of the people in Jehovah's house upon the fast-day. - Jeremiah 36:5-6 ASV
This act reflects the enduring nature of God's word, which would later be fully realized in the canon of Scripture (Isaiah 40:8 ASV; Matthew 24:35 ASV).
2. Authority and Accountability
The written scroll serves as an authoritative witness against the people's disobedience. It was not merely Jeremiah's word but God's own message, recorded and read aloud so all could hear. The reading of the scroll in the king's court and the resulting reaction—King Jehoiakim cutting and burning the scroll (Jeremiah 36:23 ASV)—shows the power and threat felt by those confronted with God's truth.
And it came to pass, when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, that the king cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier. - Jeremiah 36:23 ASV
Yet, even the king's attempt to destroy God's word only led God to command Jeremiah to write the scroll again, "with all the former words" and even add more (Jeremiah 36:28-32 ASV). This demonstrates that God's word cannot be silenced or destroyed by human authority.
3. The Ministry of the Prophetic Word
For Jeremiah, the process of dictating, writing, and reading the scroll illustrates the multifaceted prophetic ministry. It involved:
- Hearing from God (revelation)
- Speaking or dictating God's word (proclamation)
- Preserving the message for future generations (inscription)
- Publicly reading and applying the message (exhortation)
It may be they will present their supplication before Jehovah, and will return every one from his evil way; for great is the anger and the wrath that Jehovah hath pronounced against this people. - Jeremiah 36:7 ASV
The hope was that, upon hearing God's word, the people would repent and turn back to Him—a consistent theme throughout Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16 ASV).
4. Application for Today
The events of Jeremiah 36 affirm the inerrancy, authority, and indestructibility of God's word. The written Scriptures remain the primary means by which God reveals Himself and calls people to salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 10:17 ASV). Our response should be one of reverence, obedience, and a commitment to both read and share the word of God.
So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17 ASV