Jeremiah 36

The fourth year of Jehoiakim, the date of the occurrences recorded in this chapter was also the first year of Nebuchadrezzar.

2 a roll of a book. Or, “a scroll”; such as books were made of. At one end of the parchment roll, or, if it were long, at each end, a stick was attached, around which it was rolled and unrolled in order to read the contents: see Luke iv. 17. The text was not written in lines across from one end to the other, but in compartments or columns (improperly translated “leaves” in ver. 23); so that only a portion need be unrolled at a time.

4. Baruch. See xxxii. 12, and note.

5 shut up. “Hindered.” French version: “je suis retenu,” “I am detained.”

6 the fasting day. Rather, “on a fast day” (as R.V. marg.; see 9); a day which had been appointed for the purpose by the people, who were alarmed at the conquests of Nebuchadrezzar and the prospects of the country.

10 the new gate of the Lord’s house. Where he was most likely to attract their attention.

16. We will surely tell the king. They seem to have done this with a good intent (see ver. 25); hoping that the impious king and his favourites might be alarmed, as they had been.

22 the winterhouse. Or, “the winter apartment”; see Amos iii. 15. The “hearth” was probably a sort of movable brazier (see R.V.). At the time of this fast, which was in December, the weather is often very cold for a few days at Jerusalem, and in the hilly districts of Palestine.

23 leaves. “Columns,” as R.V. marg.: see note, ver. 2.

29 to Jehoiakim. “Concerning Jehoiakim,” R.V. Jeremiah was not now admitted to the royal presence.

30. He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David. See note on 2 Kings xxiv. 8.