Old Testament
Jeremiah 36:2
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"Get a scroll and write down everything I've told you — every word I've spoken against Israel, against Judah, and against all the nations, from the very first time I spoke to you back in the days of Josiah right up to today.
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Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day.
What Jeremiah 36:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the prophet Jeremiah to write down all the messages He has delivered regarding Israel, Judah, and other nations. This command emphasizes the importance of recording God's words for future generations. The scroll serves as a permanent record of God's warnings and judgments, starting from the reign of King Josiah until the present time. By documenting these messages, Jeremiah ensures that the people will have a clear understanding of God's expectations and the consequences of their actions. This act of writing is not just about preserving history; it is a call to repentance and awareness of God's sovereignty over nations. The scroll will later be read to the people, serving as a reminder of their covenant with God and the need for obedience. This moment marks a significant step in Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, highlighting the urgency of God's message and the need for the people to heed it.
How to apply Jeremiah 36:2 to your life
We should take time to reflect on God's messages in our lives and consider how we can document our spiritual journey. Writing down our thoughts, prayers, and insights can help us remember God's guidance and encourage us to stay faithful. Sharing these reflections with others can also inspire them.
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 36:2
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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 36:2 teach about the importance of recording God's words?
Jeremiah 36:2 emphasizes the significance of documenting God's messages for future generations. By instructing Jeremiah to write everything He has spoken, God highlights the need for His words to be preserved as a permanent record. This act serves not only to remind the people of their covenant with Him but also to provide guidance and warnings about their actions and the consequences they may face.
Why did God ask Jeremiah to write against Israel and Judah specifically?
God's instruction to write against Israel and Judah in Jeremiah 36:2 reflects His desire to address the disobedience and unfaithfulness of His people. By documenting His warnings and judgments, God aims to call them to repentance and remind them of their responsibilities under the covenant. This writing serves as a crucial reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of returning to Him.
How can we apply the message of Jeremiah 36:2 in our lives today?
We can apply the message of Jeremiah 36:2 by taking time to reflect on God's guidance in our lives and documenting our spiritual journeys. Writing down our thoughts, prayers, and insights can help us remember God's faithfulness and encourage us to remain obedient. Additionally, sharing these reflections with others can inspire and strengthen their faith, just as Jeremiah's scroll was meant to do for the people of his time.
What is the significance of the scroll mentioned in Jeremiah 36:2?
The scroll in Jeremiah 36:2 is significant as it represents a tangible record of God's words and messages to His people. It serves as a historical document that captures God's warnings and judgments from the days of King Josiah to the present. This scroll is intended to be read to the people, reminding them of their covenant with God and urging them to heed His instructions, thus reinforcing the importance of obedience and awareness of God's sovereignty.
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