Jeremiah 36:14

Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them.

Jeremiah 36:14 (KJV)

Context

Jeremiah prophesied during the final years of the Kingdom of Judah, a time of spiritual decline and impending Babylonian exile. In Jeremiah 36, God commanded the prophet to write all His words on a scroll. Jeremiah dictated them to his scribe Baruch, who read the scroll aloud in the temple to the people.

The princes, having heard about the scroll from Micaiah, sent Jehudi—described as the son of Nethaniah, son of Shelemiah, son of Cushi—to summon Baruch. Jehudi was likely a court official or servant, not one of the princes. The detailed genealogy identifies him precisely and underscores the official nature of the summons.

Meaning

This verse highlights the chain of transmission of God’s word: from God to Jeremiah, to Baruch, to the people, and now to the officials. The princes’ request, “Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come,” shows their desire to hear the message directly. Baruch’s obedience—taking the roll and coming—demonstrates his faithful service as Jeremiah’s scribe and messenger.

The verse also emphasizes the authority and importance of the written word of God. The officials did not dismiss the scroll; they sought to hear it for themselves, even though their later response would reveal a hardened heart.

Biblical connections

The narrative continues in Jeremiah 36:15-16, where the princes ask Baruch to sit down and read the scroll to them, and they respond with fear. Later, King Jehoiakim defiantly burns the scroll (Jeremiah 36:23), yet God commands Jeremiah to write the words again on another scroll (Jeremiah 36:28). This shows the enduring nature of God’s word: human rejection cannot destroy it.

Application

Baruch’s example encourages believers to handle and deliver God’s word faithfully, even when the audience is powerful or the message is unwelcome. The princes’ initial curiosity challenges us to examine whether we truly heed God’s word or merely listen without responding in repentance. The chapter as a whole warns that rejecting God’s message brings judgment, while those who tremble at His word find mercy.

Reflection

How do we respond when God’s word confronts our comfort or authority? The princes heard the warnings but did not change. Baruch, though likely afraid, obeyed. This verse invites us to be like Baruch—faithful in carrying God’s word—and to receive it with humility, not hardness of heart.