Jeremiah 45:1

1 In the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king of Judah, Baruch wrote down what I had dictated to him. Then I told him ¹

Jeremiah 45:1 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 45:1

The word that Jeremiah the prophet spake unto Baruch the son of
Neriah
Who was his amanuensis or scribe; and this word he spake not to him of himself, but in the name of the Lord, as coming from him; so the Targum calls it,

``the word of prophecy which Jeremiah the prophet prophesied concerning Baruch the son of Neriah:''

when he had written these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah;
not what immediately precede, concerning the destruction of the Jews in Egypt; which were delivered out many years after the writing of the roll by Baruch here referred to; and which was done, as here said, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah;
which was eighteen years before the destruction of Jerusalem; so that this prophecy does not stand in order, which would more properly have followed the thirty sixth chapter; where we have an account of what Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah in a roll, and read to the people, and after that to the princes; which exposed him to danger, and caused the grief expressed by him in this chapter; but it being written to a private person, is postponed to this place: saying;
as follows:

Jeremiah 45:1 In-Context

1 In the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king of Judah, Baruch wrote down what I had dictated to him. Then I told him

2 that the Lord, the God of Israel, had said, "Baruch,

3 you are saying, "I give up! The Lord has added sorrow to my troubles. I am worn out from groaning, and I can't find any rest!'

4 "But I, the Lord, am tearing down what I have built and pulling up what I have planted. I will do this to the entire earth.

5 Are you looking for special treatment for yourself? Don't do it. I am bringing disaster on all people, but you will at least escape with your life, wherever you go. I, the Lord, have spoken."

Cross References

• 1. 45.1 2 K 24.1;2 Chronicles 36.5-7;Daniel 1.1, 2.