Jeremias 36:20

Jeremias 36:20 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 36:20

And they went in to the king into the court
The inner court, the king's court, where he usually resided; though very probably they did not rush in at once; but first sent to know whether the king could be spoke with, or would admit them, they having something to communicate to him; which they might do by the person in waiting, by whom they were introduced: but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe;
they did not take it with them, but left it in the secretary's office; and, no doubt, put it up safe in some chest or scrutoire, as something valuable, and not to be exposed to everyone; or to be thrown about, torn, or trampled on, as a book of no use and value: very probably it was with the consent of Baruch that it was left with them: and this was a point of prudence in them not to take it with them when they went to the king: and told all the words in the ears of the king;
that is, the sum and substance of them; for it cannot be thought they should remember every word in the roll; but the main of it they did, and rehearsed it in a very audible manner.

Jeremias 36:20 In-Context

21 Thus saith the Lord concerning Achiab, and concerning Sedekias; Behold, I deliver them into the hands of the king of Babylon; and he shall smite them in your sight.
22 And they shall make of them a curse in all the captivity of Juda in Babylon, saying, The Lord do to thee as he did to Sedekias, and as he did to Achiab, whom the king of Babylon fried in the fire;

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.