Jeremiah 45

1 The word that Jeremy, the prophet, spake to Baruch, the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in the book, of the mouth of Jeremy (from the mouth of Jeremiah), in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, and said,

2 The Lord God of Israel saith these things to thee, Baruch.

3 Thou saidest, Woe to me (a) wretch, for the Lord (hath) increased sorrow to my sorrow; I travailed in my wailing, and I found not rest (I laboured in my wailing/I am wearied from my wailing, and I could not find any rest).

4 The Lord saith these things, Thus thou shalt say to him, Lo! I destroy them, which I builded, and I draw out them, which I planted, and all this land. (The Lord saith these things, Thou shalt say this to him, Lo! I destroy those, whom I built up, and I draw out those, whom I planted, yea, even the entire earth.)

5 And seekest thou great things to thee? do not thou seek, for lo! I shall bring evil on each man, saith the Lord, and I shall give to thee thy life into health, in all places, to which ever places thou shalt go. (And seekest thou great things for thyself? do not thou seek them, for lo! I shall bring in evil upon each person, saith the Lord, but at least I shall save thy life for thee, in every place, wherever thou shalt go. That I shall do for thee.)

Jeremiah 45 Commentary

Chapter 45

An encouragement sent to Baruch.

- Baruch was employed in writing Jeremiah's prophecies, and reading them, see ch. ( Jeremiah 36 ) , and was threatened for it by the king. Young beginners in religion are apt to be discouraged with little difficulties, which they commonly meet with at first in the service of God. These complaints and fears came from his corruptions. Baruch had raised his expectations too high in this world, and that made the distress and trouble he was in harder to be borne. The frowns of the world would not disquiet us, if we did not foolishly flatter ourselves with the hopes of its smiles, and court and covet them. What a folly is it then to seek great things for ourselves here, where every thing is little, and nothing certain! The Lord knows the real cause of our fretfulness and despondency better than we do, and we should beg of him to examine our hearts, and to repress every wrong desire in us.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 45

This chapter contains a prophecy, delivered to Baruch for his personal use. The time of it is expressed, Jer 45:1; a reproof is given him for his immoderate grief and sorrow, Jer 45:2,3; the destruction of the land of Judea is prophesied of; and therefore it was wrong in him to seek great things for himself at such a time; however, he is assured of his own safety, Jer 45:4,5.