Baruch. This prophecy concerning him is dated 604, when the first roll (these words) was written (Jeremiah 36:1 ff.). The implied reference to personal danger might be explained by Jeremiah 36:26, if the date were a year later, or by the troubles of 586, if we disregard Jeremiah 45:1 b. Probably this formed the (fitting) close of Baruch's biography of the prophet. Baruch has complained that to his pain (perhaps on account of the fortunes of his people) sorrow (concerning his personal future) is added. Yahweh asks whether he can expect much when Yahweh has to be destroying His own work; yet Baruch's life shall be spared (Jeremiah 21:9).

Jeremiah 45:4. The opening and closing clauses are best omitted (the latter with LXX) as glosses.

Jeremiah 45:5. thou is emphatic.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising