Jeremiah 36:6
“Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the Lord in the ears of the people in the Lord’s house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.”
Context:Jeremiah 36 is a chapter that recounts an important event in the life and ministry of the prophet Jeremiah. During the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah to write down all the prophecies and judgments that had been spoken against Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations. Jeremiah then instructed his scribe, Baruch, to write down these prophecies on a scroll.
Study:
Obedience to God’s command:Jeremiah was obedient to the command of the Lord to write down the prophecies and judgments. Baruch, the scribe, was also obedient in recording these words. This highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands in our lives. We should be attentive and responsive to what God asks us to do, just as Jeremiah and Baruch were.
The role of scripture in public worship:Jeremiah was instructed to take the scroll and read the words of the Lord to the people at the Lord’s house on the fasting day. This demonstrates the significance of reading and proclaiming God’s Word in public worship gatherings. It shows that the scriptures have a central place in the life of the community of faith, and they should be regularly read and studied together.
The power of God’s Word:The purpose of reading the scroll in the ears of the people was to bring the message of God to their attention. God’s Word has the power to convict, transform, and bring about change in the hearts and lives of people. The reading of the scroll aimed to stir the people of Judah to repentance and obedience. It reminds us of the power of God’s Word in our lives today and encourages us to study and meditate on it, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.
Outreach beyond the local congregation:In addition to reading the scroll in the Lord’s house, Jeremiah was also instructed to read it in the ears of all the people of Judah who came out of their cities. This highlights the importance of reaching out beyond the confines of our local congregation and taking the message of God’s Word to those who have not heard it. As followers of Christ, we are called to be witnesses and share the good news with others.
The importance of fasting and seeking God:The specific mention of the “fasting day” suggests that the people were engaged in a time of seeking God through fasting. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food for a period of time to focus on prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and humbling oneself before Him. This verse reminds us of the significance of fasting as a means of drawing closer to God and aligning ourselves with His purposes.
