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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,
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Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto thee, O Baruch:
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Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.
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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.
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And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.
Jeremiah 45 Study & Commentary
Overview & Chapter Summary
Jeremiah 45 - A Word to Baruch: A brief, personal message to Jeremiah’s scribe. Baruch is discouraged by the "sorrow" of his task, and God rebukes his desire for "great things" for himself during a time of national ruin.
Theological Context & Insights
THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT
1. God’s Perspective on Ambition: "Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not" (v. 5). In a crumbling world, survival is the "prey."
2. The Shared Grief of God: God speaks of "breaking down" what He built, showing His own sorrow in judgment.
3. Preservation of the Faithful: Despite the lack of "great things," Baruch is promised his life as a reward in every place he goes.
Practical Lessons & Daily Application
PRACTICAL LESSONS
1. Humility in Crisis: Contentment with God's preservation is better than seeking personal status in a broken system.
2. The Value of the Servant: God notices and speaks to the "hidden" helpers like Baruch.
