In the Alexandrian manuscript of Jeremiah, this is the end of the book of Jeremiah. (the oracles to the nations in chapters 46-52 were inserted back in chapter 25).
And as we’ll see in a few weeks, the Babylonian manuscript ends with God’s word to Seraiah – Baruch’s brother, who was sent to Babylon with the Babylonian manuscript!
But the Alexandrian manuscript ends with God’s word to Baruch. Chapter 44 takes place in 586 or 585 B.C. - after Jeremiah and Baruch are taken forcibly to Egypt. Chapter 45 takes place 20 years earlier – in 605 B.C. – during the reign of Jehoiakim.
And as 45:1 tells us, this happened around the same time as chapter 36, when Jehoiakim burned the scroll that Baruch wrote of Jeremiah’s words. In this way chapters 36-45 all fit together as the story of Baruch and Jeremiah.
Why is this important? Just think about what would happen if the book ended at chapter 44. “You’re all going to die!” What happens by adding chapter 45? There is a way to survive the coming catastrophe on the exiles. Baruch has been faithful to the LORD. Therefore Baruch, like Joshua and Caleb in the wilderness, provides a ray of hope.
God is bringing disaster on all flesh – but he will have mercy on those who fear him.
Chapter 44 is Jeremiah’s final speech to the exiles in Egypt. God has sent the prophets as a gracious gift to Israel. But Israel has refused to listen.
But all these things are written down for us.
You are called to repent – to turn away from your idolatries. Will you listen? Will you obey?
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