Old Testament
Jeremiah 36:1
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During the 4th year of King Jehoiakim son of Josiah's reign over Judah, the LORD spoke this message to Jeremiah:
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And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
What Jeremiah 36:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn that during the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign, God communicated a message to the prophet Jeremiah. This period was significant in Judah's history, as Jehoiakim was known for his disobedience to God and for leading the nation away from its covenant with Him. The mention of the specific time frame emphasizes the importance of God's timing in delivering His messages. Jeremiah, as a prophet, was chosen to convey God's words to the people, often calling them to repentance and warning them of impending judgment. This verse sets the stage for the messages that follow, highlighting the relationship between God and His people, and the role of prophets in guiding them back to righteousness. It also reflects the ongoing struggle between divine authority and human rebellion, a theme that resonates throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader narrative of the Bible.
How to apply Jeremiah 36:1 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of listening to God's messages in our lives. Just as Jeremiah was called to speak God's truth, we too are encouraged to seek and share God's guidance with others. Being attentive to God's voice can lead to personal and communal transformation.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Burned Scroll (Jeremiah 36:1–32)
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Jeremiah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Jeremiah 36:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 36:1 mean?
Jeremiah 36:1 indicates that during the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign, God gave a message to the prophet Jeremiah. This highlights the importance of God's communication with His people during a critical time in Judah's history.
What is the significance of King Jehoiakim in Jeremiah 36:1?
King Jehoiakim is significant in Jeremiah 36:1 because he was known for his disobedience to God and for leading Judah away from its covenant. His reign sets the context for the urgent messages that Jeremiah would deliver.
Why is the timing mentioned in Jeremiah 36:1 important?
The timing in Jeremiah 36:1 is important because it underscores God's sovereignty and the significance of His messages during a pivotal time in Judah's history. It shows that God's communication is purposeful and timely.
How does Jeremiah 36:1 relate to the themes of prophecy and judgment?
Jeremiah 36:1 relates to prophecy and judgment by introducing the context in which God sends warnings through Jeremiah. It highlights the need for the people to heed God's messages to avoid impending judgment.
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