Context No. 3050 of 4322 · Jeremiah

Jeremiah 36:1-7: in context

1In the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2“Take a scroll of a book, and write in it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel, against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah even to this day. 3It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I intend to do to them, that they may each return from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.” 4Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah; and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the LORD’s words, which he had spoken to him, on a scroll of a book. 5Jeremiah commanded Baruch, saying, “I am restricted. I can’t go into the LORD’s house. 6Therefore you go, and read from the scroll which you have written from my mouth, the LORD’s words, in the ears of the people in the LORD’s house on the fast day. Also you shall read them in the ears of all Judah who come out of their cities. 7It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will each return from his evil way; for the LORD has pronounced great anger and wrath against this people.”

God tells Jeremiah to take a scroll and write down all the words he has spoken against Israel and Judah, from the beginning until now. And he gives the reason: it may be that the house of Judah will hear all the disaster I intend, and each will turn from his evil way, so that I may forgive their iniquity. Jeremiah dictates to Baruch, who writes it all down, and sends him to read it aloud in the temple on the fast day.

Notice God's heart in the command. He has all the warnings written out, not to condemn, but in hope: it may be they will hear and turn, that I may forgive. Even the hard word of judgment is sent for the sake of repentance and pardon; God warns because he would far rather forgive than punish. And notice the humble means, a prophet dictating, a scribe writing, a scroll read aloud, God's word preserved and carried by ordinary faithful work so it could reach the people and give them one more chance to turn.

Do I hear God's warnings as his invitation to turn and be forgiven, spoken because he would rather pardon me than punish?

Sources

Jeremiah 36:3: "It may be that the house of Judah will hear... that they may each return from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity."
Ezekiel 33:11: "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live."
2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is... patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."