NOTES for Jer 36:1-32

The event described here could have become a turning point capable of changing the fate of the people. The call to repentance, written in the scroll delivered to the court, could have been heard by those who directed life in the state. They could have changed not only their personal paths, but also the overall situation in the country. The people would have listened to them, for the leaders of the people had evidently not yet completely lost their influence.

But the turn did not happen because of the choice made by the king. Contrary to common sense and even to the advice of the courtiers, the king not only rejected the prophetic call, but also burned the scroll with the words of the Lord. Those courtiers and subjects who were ready to decide on repentance, but were accustomed to loyally following the opinion of their superiors, joined the king's decision. Refusal to make an independent choice turned out to be a road leading to death.

Although manuscripts, contrary to the famous saying, do burn, it is impossible to eradicate God's Truth, whether it is written down or not. The Lord again commanded Jeremiah to write down the rejected words, but the king will have to answer for burning the scroll. For in the rejection of the Lord's words we can see not simply an error; no, the king's actions resemble conscious rebellion against God.