Jeremiah 36:20

“And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king.”

Certainly! Here is a Bible study on Jeremiah 36:20, using the King James Version (KJV):

Context: Jeremiah 36 recounts an important event during the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah. Jeremiah had received a message from the Lord, which he dictated to his scribe, Baruch. The message contained prophecies of judgment against Judah for their disobedience to God. Baruch was instructed to take the scroll and read it to the people in the temple during a fast day.

Study:

1. Importance of Delivering God’s Word: In this verse, we see that Baruch and Jeremiah were faithful in delivering God’s word to the king. Despite facing opposition and threats, they fulfilled their duty to proclaim the message of God. It highlights the importance of faithfully delivering God’s word, even in the face of opposition or indifference.

2. The Role of the Scribe: Elishama, the scribe, is mentioned in this verse as the one responsible for safeguarding the scroll. Scribes played a crucial role in ancient times by preserving and copying important documents. Elishama’s role emphasizes the importance of preserving and protecting God’s word, ensuring that it reaches the intended recipients and future generations.

3. The King’s Reception: The verse mentions that Baruch and Jeremiah went into the court and informed the king about the scroll. The response of the king will be seen in the subsequent verses, but this verse sets the stage for the interaction between the prophet and the ruler. It highlights the significant role leaders play in responding to God’s word. It also serves as a reminder to leaders today that they have a responsibility to listen to God’s message and respond accordingly.

4. The Secrecy of the Scroll: The verse reveals that the scroll containing God’s message was not immediately read in the king’s presence but was instead stored in the chamber of Elishama the scribe. This act of secrecy may have been due to the dangerous nature of the message, as it contained prophecies of judgment against the kingdom. It also shows the care taken to ensure the preservation of God’s word and prevent its destruction by those who might oppose it.

Application:

1. Faithfulness in Delivering God’s Word: As believers today, we have the responsibility to faithfully deliver God’s message to others. Despite potential opposition or indifference, we should remain committed to proclaiming the truth of God’s word.

2. Preserving and Protecting God’s Word: We should value and preserve the Scriptures, just as Elishama safeguarded the scroll. This involves studying and meditating on the Word, as well as sharing it with others. We can take practical steps to protect and transmit God’s message by supporting Bible translation efforts, promoting biblical literacy, and utilising digital tools for accessibility.

3. Responding to God’s Word: Like King Jehoiakim, we are faced with a choice when we encounter God’s word. We must be willing to listen, reflect, and respond in obedience. Leaders, in particular, should recognise their responsibility to lead in accordance with God’s principles.

4. Handling Sensitive Messages: In certain situations, it may be necessary to exercise discretion when sharing certain truths. While the message of the Gospel should always be proclaimed openly, there may be times when wisdom dictates the need for discernment in how and when certain truths are communicated.