In brief
Baruch, son of Neriah, is the scribe and faithful companion of the prophet Jeremiah in the last years of the kingdom of Judah, before the fall of Jerusalem. He writes down all of Yahweh's words at Jeremiah's dictation, reads them publicly at the temple, then rewrites the book after King Jehoiakim burns it. He also keeps the deed for the field at Anathoth. Weary and discouraged, he receives a personal word from God. He is remembered as a discreet, courageous and persevering servant.
What does the name Baruch mean?
Baruch is a Hebrew name generally translated "blessed." The Bible does not explain the name, but it always specifies his parentage: “Baruch the son of Neriah” (Jeremiah 36:4), and once a fuller lineage, as the son of Neriah and grandson of Mahseiah (Jeremiah 32:12).
The story of Baruch
The deed for the field at Anathoth
Jeremiah 32:6-15During the siege of Jerusalem, Jeremiah, shut up in the court of the guard, buys his cousin's field at Anathoth at God's command. He hands the deed of purchase to Baruch before all the witnesses and orders him to keep it in an earthen vessel. The act foretells the promise: “Houses and fields and vineyards will yet again be bought in this land.”
The book written at dictation
Jeremiah 36:1-8In the fourth year of Jehoiakim, God orders Jeremiah to write in a book all his words since the days of Josiah. Jeremiah calls Baruch, who writes everything at his dictation. Since the prophet is held back, Baruch must go himself and read the book in Yahweh's house, on a fast day. He does all that Jeremiah commanded him.
The reading at the temple and before the officials
Jeremiah 36:9-19Baruch reads the book in the hearing of all the people, from the room of Gemariah. Micaiah reports these words to the king's officials, who summon Baruch and ask him to read again. Alarmed, they question him about how he wrote it, then tell him: “You and Jeremiah go hide. Don’t let anyone know where you are.”
The book burned and rewritten
Jeremiah 36:20-32King Jehoiakim has the scroll read to him and, after three or four columns, cuts it up and throws it into the fire. He orders Baruch and Jeremiah to be arrested, “but Yahweh hid them.” God then asks for another scroll. Jeremiah gives it to Baruch, who rewrites at his dictation all the burned words, with many similar words added.
A word for a discouraged Baruch
Jeremiah 45:1-5While he is writing these words, Baruch complains: “Woe is me now! For Yahweh has added sorrow to my pain! I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.” God answers that he will break down what he has built, and asks him not to seek great things. But he promises that Baruch will escape with his life wherever he goes.
What Baruch teaches us
- Serving God can mean quiet work: writing, keeping a document, reading aloud. God sees this service.
- God's Word cannot be destroyed: when a king burns it, God has it written again, with more added.
- God hears your weariness, but he invites you not to seek great things for yourself when everything is collapsing around you.
- Escaping with your life in the storm is already a prize; learn to receive this promise with gratitude.
Key verses
Baruch writes on a scroll, at Jeremiah's dictation, all the words of Yahweh. This verse shows how part of the book of Jeremiah was put into writing.
God asks Baruch not to seek great things for himself, while promising him that he will escape with his life wherever he goes. A modest promise, but a sure one.
Baruch is given the deed of the field to keep, a sign that God promises the land a future: houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land.
Bible verses to meditate on
Sermons about Baruch
Frequently asked questions
Why did God tell Baruch not to seek great things?
Baruch was complaining of the sorrow and exhaustion his task cost him. God answers that he will break down what he has built and pluck up what he has planted, that is, the whole land. At such a time, seeking great things for oneself would be pointless. But God promises him life: “Do you seek great things for yourself? Don’t seek them” (Jeremiah 45:5), and he will escape with his life.
What does the name Baruch mean?
Baruch is a Hebrew name generally translated "blessed." The Bible does not comment on this meaning; it always identifies Baruch by his father, Neriah, and by his role as scribe (Jeremiah 36:26, 32). Yet he knew discouragement, and God answered him with a promise for his life (Jeremiah 45).
Where can I find the story of Baruch in the Bible?
Baruch appears in the book of Jeremiah: in chapter 32, where he receives the deed to the field at Anathoth; in chapter 36, which tells how the book was written, read and rewritten; in chapter 43, where he is taken to Egypt with Jeremiah; and in chapter 45, which holds the word God addresses to him.