Old Testament
Jeremiah 36:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The king then ordered Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, along with Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel, to arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. But the LORD had hidden them.
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But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.
What Jeremiah 36:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, King Jehoiakim of Judah is taking drastic measures against the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch. After hearing the scroll that Baruch had read, which contained God's warnings and judgments, the king orders the arrest of both men. However, the Lord intervenes and hides them, preventing the king's plans from succeeding. This highlights God's protection over His messengers and the seriousness of the king's rejection of God's word. The king's actions reflect a common response to divine warnings: instead of repenting, he seeks to silence the messenger. This moment underscores the tension between divine authority and human rebellion, illustrating that God can protect His servants even in dire circumstances.
How to apply Jeremiah 36:26 to your life
This verse reminds us that when we stand for truth, we may face opposition. However, we can trust that God will protect us in our mission. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in sharing God's message, knowing that He is with us in challenging times.
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 36:26
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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 36:26 mean?
Jeremiah 36:26 describes King Jehoiakim's order to arrest the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch after they read a scroll containing God's warnings. However, God protects them by hiding them from the king's men, illustrating His power and the seriousness of the king's rejection of God's message.
What does this verse reveal about King Jehoiakim's character?
This verse reveals that King Jehoiakim was resistant to God's warnings and chose to oppose the prophet instead of repenting. His actions reflect a common human tendency to reject divine guidance when it challenges personal authority.
How does Jeremiah 36:26 relate to the theme of divine protection?
Jeremiah 36:26 emphasizes divine protection by showing that God intervenes to safeguard His servants from harm. This highlights the assurance that believers can have in God's ability to protect them in difficult situations.
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