‏ Jeremiah 36

* Baruch is to write the prophecies of Jeremiah. (1-8) The

princes advise them to hide themselves. (9-19) The king having

heard a part, burns the roll. (20-32)

1-8 The writing of the Scriptures was by Divine appointment.

The Divine wisdom directed to this as a proper means; if it

failed, the house of Judah would be the more without excuse. The

Lord declares to sinners the evil he purposes to do against

them, that they may hear, and fear, and return from their evil

ways; and whenever any one makes this use of God's warnings, in

dependence on his promised mercy, he will find the Lord ready to

forgive his sins. All others will be left without excuse; and

the consideration that great is the anger God has pronounced

against us for sin, should quicken both our prayers and our

endeavours. 9-19 Shows of piety and devotion may be found even among those,

who, though they keep up forms of godliness, are strangers and

enemies to the power of it. The princes patiently attended the

reading of the whole book. They were in great fear. But even

those who are convinced to the truth and importance of what they

hear, and are disposed to favour those who preach it, often have

difficulties and reserves about their safety, interest, or

preferment, so that they do not act according to their

convictions, and try to get rid of what they find troublesome. 20-32 Those who despise the word of God, will soon show, as

this king did, that they hate it; and, like him, they would wish

it destroyed. See what enmity there is against God in the carnal

mind, and wonder at his patience. The princes showed some

concern, till they saw how light the king made of it. Beware of

making light of God's word!