Jeremiah 45
February 21, 2024 3:04 PM
Solitary Man
solitaryman.substack.com
20240221
Jer 45:1 The word that Jeremiah the prophet spake unto Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying,
We have now concluded the specific prophecies given via the mouth of Jeremiah to the people of Judah at the time immediately preceding and during the destruction of the temple in 586 BC. What follows is a series of chapters appended to the end of Jeremiah’s prophecies.
Chapter 45 is a personal message to Jeremiah’s scribe, Baruch. We are jumping back in time 19 years to 605 BC. This chapter fits chronologically between chapters 36 and 37. It is a personal word in response to something that was troubling Baruch’s heart.
Chapters 46 through 51 are various prophecies given at various times in Jeremiah’s life to surrounding pagan nations. They have all been collected into one place and put here at the end of this book.
The last chapter 52 is a summary of the end of Jerusalem and the temple. It takes us all the way to from 586 BC to 560 BC, where Jeremiah, who is apparently still alive, gives us a final word on the fate of one of Judah’s captured kings.
Jer 45:2 Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto thee, O Baruch;
It is comforting to know that God has spoken to individuals in the past. In the church age, the gift of prophecy has been disbursed to a far wider set of people than just prophets. While we may love to receive a personal word, yet in some circles they treat it as such a common thing as to demean or devalue it.
Any time God speaks to us, we should treat it as a very holy thing. Only be sure that it is actually God and not man. Charismatics are guilty of creating charismania in some instances, giving words out indiscriminately here and there, many obviously of the flesh. As a result, many have been hurt or offended or turned off by it. Yet here is a valid example of a personal prophecy, so let’s try and learn what God is saying to this faithful servant of the man of God.
Jer 45:3 Thou didst say, Woe (o-ee – to lament, alas) is me now! for the LORD hath added grief (affliction) to my sorrow (anguish, pain); I fainted (I am exhausted) in my sighing (groaning), and I find no rest (repose, consolation, comfort).
Jer 36:26 states that the king had ordered the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch. Baruch is fearful, and is feeling sorry for himself. The Hebrew words used express a depth of feeling. This man is feeling the pain. He evidently is not used to the pressure of tribulation and persecution. He may of been a simple scribe, leading a quiet life. He hears the words of Jeremiah, and is drawn to them. He is given an opportunity to write them down. He finds meaning and fulfillment in his work. He thinks this is quite exciting. He is asked to send these words to the king himself!
Maybe he will come to the notice of the king and be rewarded! Who knows? I am sure he engaged in all sorts of wonderful daydreams.
Suddenly reality shows up and slaps him hard in the face. Instead of adulation, infamy. Instead of reward, arrest! Woe, oh woe, is me! What have I done to deserve this?
Jer 45:4 Thus shalt thou say unto him, The LORD saith thus; Behold, that which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land.
God deigns to set Baruch’s theology straight. He may of been one of those dominionist or kingdom now people. Judah contained God’s chosen people and was God’s chosen land. There is no way that he would ever allow us to be destroyed. How could he? That would break his word, according to my understanding of the scripture.
God sets the record straight. Whatever he has raised up, he can knock down. That can refer to a person, a city, a tribe, a nation, even a planet. Just because you happen to live in Judah, in the land God gave to Abraham, does not mean you are exempt from whatever penalty God wants to impose. He has already destroyed the northern kingdom. Is it not his to do with as he pleases?
Jer 45:5 And seekest (are you striving after) thou great (mighty, noble, proud) things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil (rah) upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey (spoil, booty) in all places (localities, countries) whither thou goest (walks).
Baruch, you are in a time of general judgment. Final judgment. No one escapes suffering completely. In a season where most will lose their life, I will spare yours. Be content with that. In fact, be very grateful, as most would gladly trade places with you.
First, we must purge our hearts of any desire for recognition of any sort. Do not be concerned if any one notices you. Seek the will of God and obey it only.
This is why I publish these works anonymously. I know that this is the internet age, where people’s attention spans have been whittled down to near nothing. People are used to watching videos, not reading books. If the video does not grab them in the first 30 seconds, they’re on to something else.
This is why I am glad God has called me to produce this commentary in the format that he has. I constantly pray that God keeps away those who are not supposed to read these things, as much as I pray that he draws those who should. I pray that he keeps the readership small. If the number grows too large, that is when I will get alarmed, as the false prophets were the ones who were generally well spoken of by the multitude!
Another thing I’ve noticed in my own life is sometimes I am turned off by the personality of the preacher as I watch a sermon in person or on line. Perhaps there’s something about his style or his vocabulary, or just the way he acts that rubs me the wrong way. I know that all of us have experienced this. This is why I don’t want to make podcasts or videos, as who knows who would be turned off by the sound of my voice, or my looks, and end up missing the revelation God wants to impart to you.
Imagine me any way you want, but always keep your heart open to what the Spirit wants you to have.
Jesus himself warns us to recognize the signs of the times that we are in. We are not in a time of prosperity and blessing and peace. In more than one verse, God promises his most faithful and obedient servants their life and nothing else. It is a good thing to crucify your dreams and desires at the cross and find the will of God for you. Baruch had presumed great honors and recognition coming his way. God said no, I am only promising you your life, but even that would come with a lot of moving from place to place. I am sure this was not a personal word that he wanted to hear! Being a scribe, he was used to a quiet life of routine and repetition and certainty. Though one of the most faithful followers of the true God left in the land, God did not promise him a quiet, secure life. No, he would have to move from place to place, and that was just to stay alive!
I believe we are living in the same season as Baruch was. Have we made that inner adjustment of our own expectations? Or are we still clinging to some fantasy, believing for a blessing that belongs to a different age?
Solitary Man
https://solitaryman.substack.com/
Photos courtesy Depositphotos
