Jeremiah 45

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

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."

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.

Cross References

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

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.