Jeremiah 36:14
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The extraordinary detail of Jehudi's genealogy, tracing back to a possibly non-Israelite ancestor, highlights how God works through unlikely people and how the message itself carries more weight than the messenger's heritage. This detailed lineage emphasizes that despite their positions or backgrounds, these officials are being confronted by a divine word delivered through Baruch, a man appointed by Jeremiah.
Then all the officials sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, son of Shelemiah, son of Cushi, to say to Baruch, “Take in your hand the scroll that you read in the hearing of the people, and come.” So Baruch the son of Neriah took the scroll in his hand and came to them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jeremiah's message was read publicly by his scribe Baruch, and had deeply troubled the court officials, they sent a messenger named Jehudi to summon Baruch and the scroll itself. These officials, though concerned by the scroll's contents, chose to summon Baruch to their own chambers rather than going to the Temple themselves, revealing a reluctance to fully humble themselves. Baruch, however, responded with unwavering boldness, bringing the scroll directly to them as commanded.
Why did the princes not go to the Temple to hear God's word for themselves? What does this tell us about their hearts?
The princes, hearing about Jeremiah's scroll from Micaiah, summon Baruch to them. This action, though it shows they were at least curious and concerned enough to investigate, highlights a critical flaw: their pride.
Instead of humbling themselves and going to the Temple—the place where God's presence was meant to be felt—they expected Baruch to come to their council chamber. This reveals a disconnect from God and the common people. They wanted to deal with the message on their own terms, in their own space, rather than seeking God in the sacred place and among the people. This pride, a common companion to wealth and power, prevented them from truly engaging with the message and, consequently, from repenting.
Baruch, carrying a scroll filled with God's judgment, walks into a room of powerful leaders. What gives him such courage?
Baruch's actions here demonstrate remarkable boldness. He had already shown immense courage by publicly reading the scroll in the Temple, a message guaranteed to anger the king and his court. Now, summoned by the princes, he doesn't hesitate. He takes the scroll and goes to them directly.
This promptness and lack of fear stem from a deep conviction. Baruch wasn't just reading words; he was carrying a divine message. His confidence wasn't in himself but in the God who directed the whole affair. Like Jeremiah, he persevered in his task, trusting that God was in control, even when facing potential danger from powerful officials.
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Why go into such detail about Jehudi's family tree? What's the story hidden in these names?
The extensive genealogy of Jehudi – son of Nethaniah, son of Shelemiah, son of Cushi – isn't just for show. It hints at a fascinating history and a bridge between cultures.
Scholars suggest that 'Cushi' likely means 'Ethiopian.' This points to an ancestor who was a foreigner, possibly a proselyte who had gained favor. The rule in Deuteronomy 23:8 allowed descendants of such individuals, like Egyptians or Ethiopians, to be more fully integrated into Israelite society by the third generation. The name 'Jehudi,' meaning 'Jew,' might even indicate that he was the first in his line to fully achieve this status. This inclusion of a family with foreign roots within the Israelite leadership shows God's broader purposes and can even echo earlier stories of non-Israelites finding favor and faith, like Ebed-melech.
The detailed genealogy of Jehudi highlights the complex social dynamics of Judah, possibly indicating his mixed heritage and unique position as a messenger between the ruling elite and a prophet confronting them with difficult truths.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, captures Jerusalem and deports thousands of Judeans, including members of the royal family and educated elite, to Babylon. This event marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile and a significant shift in power.
c. 600 BC
Jeremiah's Scroll Dictated
Jeremiah, imprisoned due to his prophecies of doom, dictates his messages to his scribe Baruch. These prophecies warn of impending judgment and the destruction of Jerusalem if the people do not repent.
c. 597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Babylon deports more Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, after a rebellion against Babylonian rule. Jerusalem's political and religious leadership is further weakened.
c. 597 BC— this verse
Baruch Reads Scroll in Temple
Baruch, acting on Jeremiah's instructions, reads the scroll aloud in the Temple court during a time of fasting. This public reading of God's judgment is intended to provoke repentance.
c. 597 BC
Princes Summon Baruch
After hearing about the scroll's content from Micaiah, royal officials summon Baruch to read it to them in a private council. They show respect by asking him to come to them, rather than forcing him.
c. 597 BC
Scroll Read to King Jehoiakim
The princes bring the scroll to King Jehoiakim, who shows extreme disdain. He cuts it up and burns it in the fire, despite pleas from some officials, and orders the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar's armies finally destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecies. The remaining population is deported to Babylon, marking the end of the Kingdom of Judah.
This passage shows God sending Ezekiel with a message to rebellious Israel, a message that would be difficult to deliver, much like Jeremiah's message through Baruch. Both prophets faced a people who would not listen, and their messages were met with resistance.
Luke 4:16-21Jesus, like Baruch, stood up to read from a scroll in the synagogue, proclaiming a message of liberation. This highlights the continuity of God's prophetic word being proclaimed publicly, even in places of authority, and the expectation of a response.
Acts 19:23-29This passage describes a riot stirred up by the preaching of the gospel, showing how powerful God's word can be when it challenges the status quo and vested interests, similar to how Jeremiah's scroll threatened the king's authority.
Romans 10:14-17This passage emphasizes that people cannot believe in God without hearing His word, and no one can hear without a preacher. It underscores the vital role of messengers like Baruch and the importance of the message they carry, even when met with opposition.
pooleJeremiah 36:14: "Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them."
That is, all the princes that at that time sat there in council sent a messenger with a command to Baruch to appear before them: and to bring the roll which he had read in the ears of the people.
calvinJeremiah 36:14: "Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them."
- Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the pe…
The extraordinary detail of Jehudi's genealogy, tracing back to a possibly non-Israelite ancestor, highlights how God works through unlikely people and how the message itself carries more weight than the messenger's heritage. This detailed lineage emphasizes that despite their positions or backgrounds, these officials are being confronted by a divine word delivered through Baruch, a man appointed by Jeremiah.
After Jeremiah's message was read publicly by his scribe Baruch, and had deeply troubled the court officials, they sent a messenger named Jehudi to summon Baruch and the scroll itself. These officials, though concerned by the scroll's contents, chose to summon Baruch to their own chambers rather than going to the Temple themselves, revealing a reluctance to fully humble themselves. Baruch, however, responded with unwavering boldness, bringing the scroll directly to them as commanded.
After Jeremiah's message was read publicly by his scribe Baruch, and had deeply troubled the court officials, they sent a messenger named Jehudi to summon Baruch and the scroll itself. These officials, though concerned by the scroll's contents, chose to summon Baruch to their own chambers rather than going to the Temple themselves, revealing a reluctance to fully humble themselves. Baruch, however, responded with unwavering boldness, bringing the scroll directly to them as commanded.
"Then all the officials sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, son of Shelemiah, son of Cushi, to say to Baruch, “Take in your hand the scroll that you read in the hearing of the people, and come.” So Baruch the son of Neriah took the scroll in…" — The extraordinary detail of Jehudi's genealogy, tracing back to a possibly non-Israelite ancestor, highlights how God works through unlikely people and how the message itself carries more weight than…
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Last reviewed October 2026
