Jeremiah 36:15

And they sayde vnto him, Sit downe now and read it in our eares. So Baruch read it in their eares. Jeremiah 36:15 (KJV)

The book of Jeremiah is a prophetic work in the Old Testament that records the messages God gave to the prophet Jeremiah for the people of Judah before and during the Babylonian exile. Chapter 36 recounts a pivotal event involving Jeremiah, his scribe Baruch, and King Jehoiakim of Judah.

In this passage “it” refers to a scroll containing the words that Jeremiah received from God. Jeremiah dictated the divine message to Baruch, who faithfully wrote it on a scroll. Baruch was then sent to the gate of the temple—the street of the gate—to read the scroll before the assembled officials and the people.

When Baruch arrived, the officials of Judah were gathered there. They asked him to stand (or sit, as the verse records) and read the scroll aloud so that everyone could hear the prophetic warning. Their request to have the message read “in their ears” shows a willingness to listen to God’s word, even though the content warned of impending judgment.

Reading the scroll aloud held great significance. It allowed the message to be communicated directly, ensuring that the audience could hear and understand the words of God. The public reading emphasized the seriousness of the proclamation and gave the listeners an opportunity to respond.

The people of Judah had strayed from God’s commandments and faced imminent judgment. By asking Baruch to read the scroll, they demonstrated a readiness to hear and possibly act on God’s warning. Hearing and understanding God’s word is essential for spiritual growth, repentance, and obedience.

Application for today is clear. Believers should value the reading and hearing of Scripture, engaging regularly with the Bible to discern God’s will and receive guidance. When God’s word is proclaimed, we must listen attentively, desire to understand, and be prepared to apply it to our lives. Openness to correction and a readiness to respond, as shown by the officials, are attitudes every Christian should cultivate.

In conclusion, Jeremiah 36:15‑16 underscores the importance of hearing and responding to God’s word. It highlights the significance of reading aloud and the willingness of the audience to listen. Modern believers are called to prioritize the study of Scripture, be receptive to God’s message, and align their lives with His will.