Jeremiah 36:26

But the king commaunded Ierahmeel the sonne of Hammelech, and Seraiah the sonne of Azriel, & Shelennah the sonne of Abdiel, to take Baruch the scribe, and Ieremiah the Prophet: but the Lord hid them. Jeremiah 36:26 (KJV)

In order to understand this verse better, let’s provide some context by looking at the preceding verses. In Jeremiah 36 we see that Jeremiah receives a message from the Lord to write down all the prophecies and words of God that had been given to him over the years. These prophecies were primarily warnings of impending judgment and destruction upon the nation of Judah because of their disobedience and idolatry. Jeremiah then enlists the help of his scribe, Baruch, to write down these prophecies on a scroll. Baruch reads the scroll to the people in the temple, and eventually the scroll is brought before King Jehoiakim, who is sitting in his winter house with a fire burning. As the scroll is read to the king, he reacts by cutting it into pieces and throwing it into the fire.

When some officials, including Jerahmeel, Seraiah, and Shelemiah, witnessed the king’s actions, the king commanded them to seize Jeremiah and Baruch. The verse tells us that the Lord hides Jeremiah and Baruch, protecting them from the king’s wrath.

This verse highlights several significant points:

God’s Protection: Despite the king’s attempts to harm Jeremiah and Baruch, the Lord intervenes and hides them, ensuring their safety. This demonstrates God’s sovereignty and care for His servants even in the face of adversity. It reminds us that God can protect and preserve His faithful followers in challenging circumstances.

Resistance to God’s Word: King Jehoiakim’s action of cutting up and burning the scroll containing God’s words symbolizes his rejection of God’s message. It reveals his defiance and disregard for the Lord’s warnings and prophecies. The king’s response illustrates the consequences of a hardened heart and the danger of resisting God’s truth.

Human Opposition to God’s Messengers: The king’s command to seize Jeremiah and Baruch reflects the resistance and opposition that prophets and messengers of God often faced throughout the Bible. It echoes the pattern of rejection and persecution experienced by those who faithfully delivered God’s message. Yet this verse shows that ultimately God’s plans cannot be thwarted, and He will protect those who serve Him.

In summary, Jeremiah 36:26 underscores God’s protection over His servants, the consequences of rejecting His Word, and the opposition faced by those who faithfully deliver God’s message. It encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty, remain faithful to His Word, and be prepared for potential opposition as we proclaim His truth.