Reading for October 26th

BARUCH'S ACCOUNT Chs. 37-45: Baruch is described as the author of these stories about Jeremiah and other survivors of the Babylonian invasion (45.1). Perhaps these chapters represent the additional words of the second scroll (36.22). The chapters show the exilic audience how to survive suffering brought on by invasion and its aftermath. They describe how the prophetic word was rejected, was fulfilled, and how it created conflict among survivors. Jeremiah himself appears as an example of fidelity. He is imprisioned and rescued twice, escapes with his life, and becomes a model of faithful survival. Prision and release. Chs. 37-39: These chapters are all set during the reign of Zedekiah, who is as unaccepting of the prophetic word as his predecessor Jehoiakim. Read Jeremiah 37.1-21. In ch 37, the king consults with Jeremiah twice, at the beginning and end of the chapter. The consultations frame Jeremiah's imprisonment. This arrangement suggests that the king is attempting to squeeze a favorable word from Jeremiah. In verses 3-10: Zedekiah's hope is that the power struggles between Egypt and Pharaoh will reduce Babylonian power and avert disaster. Jeremiah says no. In verses 11-16: In a series of abusive acts toward the prophet, officals imprison him, as if they can imprision the word. In verses 17-21: Secretly, the king tries to persuade Jeremiah to give him hope but the prophet faithfully repeats his message of doom and escapes with his life. Comments or Questions..