Jeremiah 36:11
When Michaiah the sonne of Gemariah the sonne of Shaphan had heard out of the booke, all the words of the Lord; Jeremiah 36:11 (KJV)
In the context of this verse the prophet Jeremiah had been commanded by God to write down all the prophecies and messages that God had given him concerning Judah and its kings. Jeremiah dictated these prophecies to his scribe Baruch, who then wrote them on a scroll that was to be read before the people in the temple.
Michaiah was the son of Gemariah and grandson of Shaphan. He was a high‑ranking official in the court of King Josiah and was present when the scroll containing Jeremiah’s prophecies was read. Gemariah was the father of Michaiah and son of Shaphan. Shaphan, the grandfather of Michaiah, served as a scribe in Josiah’s court and played a significant role in the religious reforms of that reign.
The verse highlights Michaiah’s involvement in listening to the words of the Lord as they were read from the scroll. This underscores the importance of paying attention to God’s messages and being attentive to His words. While Michaiah is not identified as a scribe, his careful listening and his report of the scroll’s contents to the princes (Jeremiah 36:12) demonstrate the role of faithful communication of God’s truth for future generations.
Application: Just as Michaiah listened attentively to the words of the Lord, we should cultivate a spirit of attentiveness when reading and studying the Bible. Through God’s Word we receive guidance, encouragement, correction, and understanding of His will for our lives; allowing His words to penetrate our hearts is essential for spiritual growth. Likewise, believers have a responsibility to share the Gospel and the teachings of Scripture with others—through personal conversation, teaching, writing, or modern technologies. Like Michaiah, we should be diligent in preserving and spreading God’s truth.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 36:11 showcases the involvement of Michaiah, the son of Gemariah, in listening to the words of the Lord as they were read from the scroll containing Jeremiah’s prophecies. The passage highlights the importance of attentiveness to God’s Word and the faithful transmission of His truth to others.
