Unlike some prophets, who only spoke the word of God verbally, God made sure Jeremiah's words of prophecy were written down. Jeremiah had a good co-worker in Baruch, who wrote on a scroll the words of judgment that Jeremiah dictated (4). Baruch read the words of the scroll aloud in the temple, and then before the king's officials. They were convicted and wanted King Jehoiakim to hear. But they also protected Jeremiah and Baruch by hiding them, knowing the king was wicked (19).

Jehoiakim arrogantly expressed his rejection of God's word by burning the scroll a piece at a time as it was being read (22-24). Imagine burning the first edition of a Bible book! Jehoiakim is an example of the wicked who have no fear of God in their heart (Ps 36:1).

Jeremiah must have been deeply discouraged when all of his hard work was deleted. But the Lord simply had him and Baruch write a new scroll (28). God's word could not be stopped by burning paper. God had people everywhere who would help, publicly or secretly. God's judgment on Jehoiakim would be most severe (29-31).


Application: Father, thank you for all the coworkers who help to get out God's word . Help me not be discouraged in sharing God's word, but keep at it, knowing it will bear fruit.
One Word: Don't give up, write another scroll