JEHOIAKIM CUTS AND BURNS THE WORD
By David J. Riggs
Intro.
A. Prior to the Babylonian captivity, the nation of Judah had
become exceedingly wicked.
1. They became immoral, dishonest in their dealings with one
another, and idolaters.
B. God sent many prophets to turn His people back to Him.
1. Like some of the others, Jeremiah prophesied the doom of
Jerusalem and Judah by the Babylonian Empire.
C. The only way the destruction could be averted was by
repentance.
1. However, the people of Judah did not repent, and their
attitude, as a whole, can be summed up by the attitude of
the king, Jehoiakim.
2. We learn of him in Jeremiah chapter 36.
I. JEHOIAKIM CUTS AND BURNS THE WORD OF GOD.
A. Jeremiah is commanded by the Lord to write the prophecies of
doom against Judah. Jer. 36:1-2
B. God's purpose for the writing was not to anger them, but to
save them. Jer. 36:3
1. As was done in the case of the Ninevites, God would have
relented if they would have repented. Jonah 3:4-10
C. Baruch, a servant of Jeremiah, is enlisted to write the words
as Jeremiah dictates them by the Spirit. Jer. 36:4,18
1. This is how inspiration works:
God Holy Spirit--Jeremiah--Baruch = word of God
God--Christ Holy Spirit--Paul--Tertius = word of God. Rom.
16:22
D. After Baruch wrote the words, he was commanded by Jeremiah
to go and read the book in the temple. Jer. 36:5-6
1. Again, it was all designed for a good purpose. Jer. 36:7
E. Baruch does as he was instructed. Jer. 36:8-10
F. A certain man by the name of Michaiah hears the reading of
Baruch, and then goes to the king's house and tells the princes
and nobles what he had heard. Jer. 36:11-13
G. The princes and nobles send for Baruch to hear the words of
Jeremiah for themselves. Jer. 36:14-15
1. They react with fear and insist that the king must hear
those words. Jer. 36:16
2. They recognize that danger might come to Baruch and
Jeremiah and tell them to go and hide. Jer. 36:19
H. When Jehoiakim hears of the writing, he commands Jehudi to
read it. Jer. 36:20-21
I. After the reading of three or four columns, king Jehoiakim
takes a knife and cuts up the scroll and throws it into the
fire. Jer. 36:22-23
1. A few men try to stop the king, but for the most part the
scene is witnessed with indifference. Jer. 36:24
J. The king then tries to arrest Baruch and Jeremiah but the Lord
protects them. Jer. 36:26
K. God instructs Jeremiah to write another roll with all the
former words and with additional words of personal destruction
to king Jehoiakim. Jer. 36:28-31
1. Jeremiah did as he was instructed by the Lord.
II. LESSONS FROM THIS INCIDENT.
A. The New Testament also has messages of doom, and the purpose
is the same - to turn people from their sins. Luke 13:1-5
1. God is longsuffering, but eventually His patience will end
and destruction will come. 2 Thess. 1:7-9
B. The spirit of Jehoiakim is still alive and well today.
1. When people reject plain Bible teaching, for all practical
purposes, they are cutting and burning the Word of God.
a. Various conditions of salvation are cut and burned; for
example, baptism.
b. For some unknown reason, many people don't want
baptism as part of the plan of God for one to be saved.
c. Jesus made it necessary. Mark 16:16
2. Christians, in reality, cut out passages of Scripture and
burn them.
a. Are we any better than Jehoiakim if we refuse to submit
to various requirements of the Lord?
b. God's instruction on marriage is often ignored (cut and
burned). Eph. 5:22-25
c. God's law on marriage, divorce, and remarriage is often
ignored. Matt. 5:32; 19:9
d. God's instruction to children is often ignored by certain
teenagers. Eph. 6:1
e. God's instruction on modesty is often ignored. 1 Tim.
2:9-10
f. God's instruction on assembling is often ignored. Heb.
10:25
g. God's instruction on covetousness and putting the
kingdom first has no place in the lives of many. Matt.
6:33
3. Some have long since cut and burned certain requirements of
God, and have become so hardened that they will never
change.
a. Their consciences are seared as with a hot iron.
C. Consider the attitude of king Josiah, the father of Jehoiakim,
when the word of God was read to him. 2 Kings 22:8-13
1. God appreciated his humble attitude. 2 Kings 22:19-20
2. Let us have tenders hearts toward the word of the Lord. Isa.
57:15; 66:2; Psalm 51:17; 119:120
a. Indeed, we need he humble attitude of the publican.
Luke 18:13-14
b. Let us lament, mourn, and weep because of our sins.
James 4:8-10
3. Jehoiakim, his nobles, and servants had no fear when the
word of God was read to them. Jer. 36:24
a. They had no fear of God and they would meet the wrath
of the Lord.
4. When we have hard and impenitent hearts, we are treasuring
up the wrath of God. Rom. 2:4-5
D. Jehoiakim was an evil leader.
1. Some of his nobles and servants acted correctly at first
when the scroll was read; however, they were influenced by
Jehoiakim to reject it.
2. Jehoiakim should have been like Josiah and reacted with a
tender and contrite heart.
3. If he had so acted, he would have influenced others to do
the same.
E. Though Jehoiakim cut and burned the word of God, it still
remained.
1. Jeremiah was instructed to write another scroll which
included the same words as the first.
2. God's word will abide until the end of time. Matt. 24:35; 1
Pet. 1:23-25
3. Though men might try to cut and burn it literally or
figuratively, it still remains.
Concl.
A. Jesus said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved."
1. What will you do? Will you cut and burn it - or will you
fear God and humbly submit to it.
2. Though one might reject it, it is still the word of God and
it will remain.
B. Let us strive to maintain humble and contrite hearts.