Глава 36

After this the Prophet says that he was commanded to write the entire prophecy. He calls the chapters of the book (Jer. 36:2) “scrolls,” which the Jews still readily use to this day. For the Prophet says: probably the Jews, having more precisely recognized the threatening disaster, will acquire salvation for themselves through repentance. The prophet fulfills the command and, through the action of divine grace, utters prophecies, and Baruch writes them. And since it was not possible for him to go to the church of God, because he was in prison; then Baruch commands to read what was written to the people, and after a considerable time, at the onset of a nationwide fast, Baruch read this prophecy. One of those who heard, moved by piety, informs the princes what disasters are threatened according to the prophecy, and they, calling Baruch to them, ordered him to read it, and, filled with fear, tried to find out who the writer was. Baruch announced that Jeremiah, inspired by God's grace, told him to write this. The princes gave the book to the royal book-reader, and Baruch was ordered to flee, and the king was informed about what was written. The king, calling the book reader, ordered him to read, and like a wicked and lawless person, cutting off the lines he had read, he consigned them to fire; because in winter time there was a “fire” here (Jer. 36:22). (Jer.36:24). And they did not seek the Lord, says the Prophet, “and the king and all his fathers who heard all these words did not tear their garments.” But the Prophet, just as he condemns their extreme insensitivity, praises Elnathan, Daley and Hamari; because they suggested to the king not to burn the books, but he did not listen to them. The evil king was not satisfied with this lawless action, but ordered to catch Baruch and Jeremiah. And the God of all commands Jeremiah to write the former words in another book; because, although the charter was burned, the law of God remained unharmed. Thus, even during the suffering of the received body, the Word remained impassive. The Prophet received orders to say to Joachim: (Jer.36:29). This says, “Lord, did you burn this book, saying: The king of Babylon will come in and consume this land, and man and beast will be consumed from it?” (Jer.36:30). “For this reason the Lord spoke against Joachim the king of Judah: he shall not sit on the throne of David, and his dead body shall be exposed to the heat of the day, and to the filth of the night.” This prophecy is not false; for, although his son Jeconiah reigned, after three months he was taken captive. God threatens the king and his entire house with destruction, the city with desolation, and the people with predicted disasters. The prophet again fulfilled the command and wrote the prophecy, with the assistance of Baruch. Jer.36:32. And more words were added to him than the first.” Because the evil king, having heard the threats, became irritated; then the Lord ordered to aggravate them. And we, I beg of this, will fear the threats of God, and will believe the good promises, and walk worthy of the calling to which we are called, so that we may avoid the trials of threats and enjoy the promised blessings, according to the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom befits glory to the Father with the Most Holy Spirit, now and always and unto the ages of ages! Amen!