Old Testament
Jeremiah 36:22
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It was the 9th month, and the king was sitting in his winter quarters with a fire burning in the brazier in front of him.
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Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him.
What Jeremiah 36:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we find the king in his winter quarters during the ninth month of the year, which corresponds to a time when the weather is cold. The mention of a fire burning in front of him indicates that he is seeking warmth and comfort. This setting highlights the contrast between the king's luxurious lifestyle and the dire circumstances facing the people of Judah, as the prophet Jeremiah has been delivering messages of warning and judgment from God. The king's position in a warm, secure environment symbolizes the disconnect between the ruling class and the struggles of the common people. This moment sets the stage for the unfolding events where the king will encounter the words of God through Jeremiah's scroll, emphasizing the importance of heeding divine warnings even in times of comfort. The imagery of the fire also serves as a metaphor for the consuming nature of God's judgment, which is about to be revealed to the king and his court.
How to apply Jeremiah 36:22 to your life
This verse reminds us to be aware of our surroundings and the messages we receive, especially during times of comfort. Just as the king was in a warm place, we can become complacent in our lives. We should remain open to guidance and correction, even when things seem secure.
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 36:22
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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 36:22 mean?
Jeremiah 36:22 describes the king sitting in his winter quarters during the cold ninth month, with a fire burning in front of him. This setting illustrates the king's comfort and security, contrasting with the warnings Jeremiah has been delivering about the impending judgment on Judah.
What is the significance of the fire in Jeremiah 36:22?
The fire in Jeremiah 36:22 symbolizes warmth and comfort for the king, but it also serves as a metaphor for the consuming nature of God's judgment that is about to be revealed. It highlights the disconnect between the king's luxurious life and the struggles of the people.
What does the ninth month represent in Jeremiah 36:22?
The ninth month in Jeremiah 36:22 corresponds to a cold time of year, emphasizing the king's need for warmth and comfort. It sets the stage for the contrast between his secure environment and the dire warnings being given to the people of Judah.
How does Jeremiah 36:22 relate to the themes of judgment and comfort?
Jeremiah 36:22 highlights the theme of judgment through the king's comfortable setting, suggesting that even in times of ease, one must remain vigilant to divine warnings. The juxtaposition of the king's warmth against the backdrop of impending judgment emphasizes the need for awareness and responsiveness to God's messages.
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