XXXVI Jeremiah causes Baruch to write his prophecy; and publickly to read it, ver. 1-10. The princes send to fetch the roll and read it, ver. 11-18. They advise Baruch and Jeremiah to hide themselves, ver. 19. The king tears part of the roll, and burns it, ver. 20-26. Jeremiah denounces his judgment, ver. 27-31. Baruch writes a new copy, ver. 32.

Verse 2. A roll - Parchments, which anciently were their books. All the words - All the Revelations he had from God for twenty-two years last past. God would have them recorded, that there might be a memorial of them, that so the truth of them might appear, when God should bring them to pass; the time of which now drew near.

Verse 6. Upon the fasting day - It was undoubtedly, because of the concourse of people which the prophet knew would that day be in the temple, that he chose that day, when some would be present from all parts of Judah.

Verse 10. Then read - Most likely out of some window, or balcony, the people being below, and hearing it.

Verse 18. He pronounced - This could not but add to the princes fear, they must needs conceive that without a special influence of God, it had been impossible, that Jeremiah should have called to mind all that he had spoken at several times in so many years.

Verse 22. The ninth month - Answered to part of our November and December.

Verse 23. He - The king not having patience to hear above three or four columns, or periods, cut it in pieces and burned it in the fire.

Verse 25. Elnathan - These princes seemed to have had a greater dread of God upon their hearts than the rest.

Verse 26. Hid them - God by his providence kept them both out of their hands; directing them to find such a place of recess as the kings messengers could not find out.