Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 36:5-10

"And Jeremiah commanded Baruch, saying, I am shut up; I cannot go into the house of Jehovah: therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of Jehovah in the ears of the people in Jehovah`s house upon the fast-day; and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities. It may be they will present their supplication before Jehovah, and will return every one from his evil way; for great is the anger and the wrath that Jehovah hath pronounced against this people. And Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him, reading in the book the words of Jehovah in Jehovah`s house. Now it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, in the ninth month, that all the people in Jerusalem, and all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem, proclaimed a fast before Jehovah. Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of Jehovah, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan, the scribe, in the upper court, at the entry of the new gate of Jehovah`s house, in the ears of all the people." — Jeremiah 36:5-10 (ASV)

1. The declaration is given to the people. The details are as follows:

   1. First, the command to announce is given, as Jeremiah states: I am imprisoned. This calls to mind the Apostle’s words: Labor like a good soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3), and That more of the brothers in the Lord, trusting in my chains, may dare more abundantly to speak the word of God without fear (Philippians 1:14).

   2. Second, the manner of the announcement is described. Regarding the place, it was in the house of the LORD, which is a place of devotion. As the Lord God says, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples (Isaiah 56:7).

      Regarding the time, it was on the fast day, which is a time of contrition. This relates to the question in Isaiah: Is this not rather the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bundles which oppress, to let those who are broken go free, and to break every burden. To break your bread to those who are hungry and needy, and to bring the homeless into your house. When you see one who is naked, to cover him, and to despise not your own flesh (Isaiah 58:6–7).

      Regarding the audience, the words were read while the people listen and also in the hearing of all Judah, who come out of their cities.

   3. Third, the intended fruit of the declaration is given. The first desired outcome is that it may be that they present their petition before the LORD, meaning it might be accepted. The second is their subsequent holiness: and each one turn from his own wicked way; for it is a great fury and indignation. This is reinforced elsewhere: The great wrath of the LORD is kindled against us, because our fathers did not listen to the words of this book, to do all that was written to us (2 Kings 22:13).

   4. Fourth, the fulfillment of the command is described. Regarding the action, it says simply: and Baruch did. This demonstrates obedience, as taught in Hebrews 13:17: Obey those who are set over you, and be subject to them.

      Regarding the time, it was now it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim. This public gathering recalls the command in Joel 2:15: Sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the young, and those who suck at the breast.

      Regarding the place, Baruch read . . . in the opening of the new gate, which Joash had made (2 Chronicles 27:3), and in the upper vestibule. The author clarifies this as the upper part of the courtyard where the priests would offer sacrifices. This act of public reading is like that described in Nehemiah 9:3: They read in the scroll of the Lord their God four times in the day, and four times in the night.

2. The declaration is given to the princes, as mentioned in Jeremiah 36:11.

3. The declaration is given to the king, as mentioned in Jeremiah 36:16.