Jeremiah 45 Commentary
This, the shortest chapter in the book, has one subject: Baruch. Content? Well, the LORD addresses Baruch’s complaint.
The LORD begins by repeating Baruch’s complaint. It means the LORD had heard and understood Baruch’s complaint – word for word. There should be no doubt within the saint that the LORD hears his or her prayers.
Baruch’s life, like that of Jeremiah, was full of pain and suffering – the LORD adding sorrow to pain. There was no rest. Of course, there should be no rest for the sinner; no complaints with that one. But why should the righteous suffer the consequences of a sinful life? The ‘wisdom’ books, particularly the books of Job and Ecclesiastes address this question in detail.
But what the LORD says here is as unique and exclusive as it is timeless.
The LORD is ‘sorting out’ His creation – the Earth. Judah’s fate isn’t an isolated incident. The chapters upward of 45 are sample ‘judgment’ chapters on the entire earth. The LORD is subjecting His creation to frustration, to use the Apostle’s language in the Book of Romans. Romans 8.
Nothing works. The LORD is uprooting what He had planted. Verse 4.
But what has this to do with Baruch? Well, Baruch is part of the LORD’s creation. And the LORD’s creation is in the service yard. Is this the right time for Baruch to be talking about himself, seeking special treatment? Stop making big plans for yourself when your house is on fire!
Not all is lost though. Baruch will escape with his life. This is an example of little words with infinitely huge meanings. Baruch did escape with his life but it’s not the life we know. Is the scripture talking about eternal life?
The LORD is probably speaking to you. Is it time for big plans here when I’m out uprooting what I have planted?
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