John Calvin Commentary Jeremiah 36:19

"Then said the princes unto Baruch, Go, hide thee, thou and Jeremiah; and let no man know where ye are." — Jeremiah 36:19 (ASV)

We see that these courtly princes changed when they perceived that it was indeed God’s hand, yet they remained in a state of insensibility. God often thus terrifies profane men, yet they return to their own indifference. They seemed, indeed, to be awakened for a moment and to seriously acknowledge God’s judgment, but these thoughts soon vanished. It thus happened that they acknowledged God had spoken, but it was, as it were, to the deaf, for it was in vain, as we will soon see.

Then the king’s counsellors derived no benefit; but they were not cruel, for they wished the Prophet to be hidden, so that the king would not deal severely with him. We see many such men today who are not influenced by divine truth. They nod, indeed, as donkeys who move their ears, for they confess with their mouths that what is presented to them is true and right; but as I have said, they either close their eyes or at least do not pay attention, so as to recognize that it is God who speaks. It appears that such were the king’s counsellors, of whom the Spirit of God has declared what we will soon see. They then counselled Baruch to hide himself, and Jeremiah to do the same, for they saw that they were in danger unless they fled.