Jeremiah Chapter 45
1 The message that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying,
2 "The LORD, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch:
3 'You said, "Woe is me now! For the LORD has added sorrow to my pain! I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest." '
4 "You shall tell him, the LORD says: 'Behold, that which I have built, I will break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up; and this in the whole land.
5 Do you seek great things for yourself? Don't seek them; for, behold, I will bring evil on all flesh,' says the LORD; 'but I will let you escape with your life wherever you go.' "
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Jeremiah Chapter 45 Guide
The messages of Jeremiah to the chosen people practically ended with the last chapter. Before coming to his messages concerning the surrounding nations we have the brief story told in this chapter of the special word which he was charged to speak to Baruch when he wrote his words in a book in the fourth year of Jehoiakim.
A perusal of this message makes it evident that this faithful ally of the prophet had become depressed. If this message was delivered to him in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, it was evidently before the book was actually written and the words read. His lamentation suggests that he was depressed over the circumstances in which he lived, and the word which Jeremiah was commissioned to speak to him, charging him not to seek great things for himself, would lead us to suppose that the emphasis in his lamentation is to be placed on the word "me"- "Woe is me now." Evidently he had been overwhelmed with the sorrows of his people, and had hoped to do something to deliver them. In his aspiration there had been something of self-seeking. Yet he had been sincere, and therefore a word of rebuke and comfort was spoken to him. He was reminded of Jehovah's right to deal as He thought best with the people; but he was also promised protection in the difficult circumstances. Such a word as this would prepare him for writing the words of Jeremiah, and the reading of them which fell to his lot.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Jeremiah Chapter 45 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- An encouragement sent to Baruch.
Verses 1-5
Baruch was employed in writing Jeremiah's prophecies, and reading them, see Jer. 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.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.