And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth. Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words. Jeremiah 36:23-24 KJV
At God’s direction, Jeremiah had written down all the prophecies which are contained in the book of Jeremiah, and then had them read for all to hear at the Temple. Those that heard the reading of God’s Word were rightfully frightened by the prophecies of judgment from God. This was then reported to the king, who had the scroll brought to him and read while he relaxed by a fire. As the pages were read, he took his knife, cut them up, and tossed them in the fire. Neither the king, nor any of his servants were frightened by God’s pronouncement of judgment, or their destruction of God’s Word. They should have taken God’s Word seriously, treated it with respect, heeded its warnings, and repented of sin.
Lord, I am astonished at the actions of Jehoiakim the king, and yet I realize that many treat Your Word with similar disrespect today through their neglect of it. One thing is certain, whether we ignore it, or cut it up and burn it, we can not destroy or change Your Word. It stands, and we all must answer to it. Help me both hear and heed it in my life.
