This chapter focuses on Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe. He is mentioned multiple times throughout the book. Chronologically, it is attached to the events of Jeremiah 36, when King Jehoiakim burned the scroll Jeremiah dictated to Baruch.
The name Baruch means “blessed” and is a shortened form of Berechiah (“blessed by the Lord”). His father’s name, Neriah, means “Lamp of the Lord”. His grandfather’s name, Mahseiah (Jeremiah 32:12) means “refuge of the Lord”. A seal impression from this period was found saying “Belonging to Berechiah son of Neriah the scribe”. We don’t have any original copies of Jeremiah but this little clay seal may have been stamped by Baruch himself! Baruch had a brother named Seriah (see Jeremiah 51:59), who was an official in the government.
What did Baruch think about all that was happening around him? It’s easy to imagine him as an unfeeling observer. This chapter presents a more human depiction of him:
Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: 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.’ Thus shall you say to him, Thus says the LORD: Behold, what I have built I am breaking down, and what I have planted I am plucking up—that is, the whole land. And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the LORD. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go.”
Jeremiah 45:2-5
The persecution upon Jeremiah is felt by Baruch, his close associate. Did Baruch ever question Jeremiah? Did he ever want to quit and leave Jeremiah? This short passage provides a window into his painful response to what’s happening. Nevertheless, he stuck with Jeremiah when the prophet was thrown in prison and went with him to Egypt.
In the midst of the turmoil surrounding him, God heard his complaint. Unfortunately, he did not have uplifting words of how much Baruch would be blessed because of his faithful service. However, there was one reward: he will survive the disaster (the same phrase is used in Jeremiah 39:18 to Ebed-Melech the Cushite).
To Ponder…
- How do you think Baruch felt about the events he witnessed? How would you respond if you were in his situation?
- Will you follow the Lord’s leading even when it’s hard?