Jeremiah 36:28

“Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.”

Context:To better understand Jeremiah 36:28, it is essential to grasp the context of the passage. This verse comes from the Book of Jeremiah, which records the prophecies and messages delivered by the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah during a time of political turmoil and impending judgment from God.

Historical Background:During Jeremiah’s ministry, Jehoiakim was the king of Judah. The prophet Jeremiah, under the inspiration of God, had dictated a scroll containing God’s words of warning and judgment against Judah and its kings. Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe, wrote down these words on a scroll. When the scroll was read before the people, it eventually made its way to King Jehoiakim’s attention.

King Jehoiakim’s Reaction:Upon hearing the contents of the scroll, Jehoiakim responded with disbelief, anger, and defiance. He demonstrated his rejection of God’s word by cutting the scroll into pieces and throwing them into a fire. This act symbolized his rebellion against God’s message and his refusal to repent.

God’s Command:In response to Jehoiakim’s act of burning the scroll, God instructed Jeremiah to take another scroll and rewrite all the words that were in the original scroll. This command served multiple purposes. Firstly, it emphasized the permanence and authority of God’s word, demonstrating that no human act could ultimately destroy or nullify it. Secondly, it served as a prophetic sign of the impending judgment that would come upon Jehoiakim and Judah.

Lessons for Us Today:Jeremiah 36:28 provides several valuable lessons for believers today:

• a. The Importance of God’s Word: The burning of the scroll by Jehoiakim highlights the significance of God’s word. It reminds us that God’s truth and His message are unchanging and enduring, regardless of human attempts to suppress or reject them. As believers, we should cherish and prioritize the study of God’s word, recognizing its authority and transformative power in our lives.
• b. The Folly of Ignoring God’s Warnings: Jehoiakim’s refusal to heed the prophetic message resulted in severe consequences for himself and the nation of Judah. This teaches us the danger of ignoring God’s warnings and living in rebellion against His will. It is crucial for us to humbly receive and respond to God’s word, seeking repentance and obedience.
• c. God’s Sovereignty and Faithfulness: Despite the destruction of the first scroll, God’s word remained unchanged. He commanded Jeremiah to rewrite the scroll, affirming His sovereignty over human actions. This reminds us that God is in control, even in the face of opposition or attempts to thwart His plans. It also highlights His faithfulness in preserving His message and ensuring it reaches the intended recipients.

In summary, Jeremiah 36:28 portrays the account of King Jehoiakim’s burning of the scroll containing God’s words and God’s subsequent command for Jeremiah to rewrite it. This passage reminds us of the importance of God’s word, the folly of ignoring His warnings, and God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in preserving His message.