Jeremiah 36:25

“Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.”

In this passage, we find ourselves in the historical context of the prophet Jeremiah’s ministry. At this point, Jeremiah had received a message from the Lord to write down all the words He had spoken against Israel, Judah, and the surrounding nations. Jeremiah dictated these prophecies to his scribe, Baruch, who wrote them on a scroll.

The verse begins by mentioning three individuals: Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah. These three men had the wisdom and discernment to recognize the significance of Jeremiah’s words and the importance of the written scroll. They understood that this was not merely the message of a human prophet but the very words of God.

Recognizing the weight of the situation, Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah decided to intercede on behalf of the scroll. They approached King Jehoiakim, who reigned over Judah at that time, and pleaded with him not to burn the scroll. They likely understood the potential consequences of such an act and sought to avert it.

However, despite their intercession and appeal, King Jehoiakim refused to listen to them. He disregarded their pleas and remained determined to destroy the scroll containing the words of God spoken through Jeremiah. In the following verses, we learn that Jehoiakim burned the scroll piece by piece in a fire set in the fireplace of the king’s chamber.

This verse highlights the resistance and disobedience of Jehoiakim, the king of Judah, to the message of God. It demonstrates the severity of his rebellion and his rejection of divine instruction. By burning the scroll, Jehoiakim sought to erase the words of God, thinking that he could escape the judgment and consequences foretold by Jeremiah.

The actions of Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah provide an example of courage and faithfulness in the face of opposition. They recognized the value of the scroll and took a stand to preserve it, despite the risk of opposing the king. Their intercession demonstrated their loyalty to God’s message and their commitment to preserving His word.

This passage serves as a reminder for us today about the importance of valuing and respecting God’s word. It also highlights the consequences of rejecting and disregarding His message. It encourages us to be people who uphold and honor the Scriptures, seeking to understand and live by the truths they contain.

Overall, Jeremiah 36:25 serves as a powerful lesson on the significance of God’s word and the potential consequences of disregarding it. It encourages us to be faithful to God’s message and to intercede on behalf of His truth, even in the face of opposition or indifference.