Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 36 - Verse 17

These words from the book of Jeremiah in the Bible refer to a specific encounter between the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch. In this verse, the people are curious about how Baruch was able to transcribe Jeremiah's words so accurately. The phrase "at his mouth" signifies that Baruch received the words directly from Jeremiah, likely as he spoke them. This passage highlights the close relationship between the prophet and his scribe, emphasizing the importance of accurately recording and preserving the messages from God. It also underscores the role of scribes in ancient times, who were responsible for transcribing and preserving important texts. By asking Baruch how he wrote down the words from Jeremiah's mouth, the people are seeking to understand the divine inspiration behind the message and the process by which it was recorded. This verse serves as a reminder of the sacred nature of scripture and the care taken in preserving the word of God.

When considering the theological interpretation of the verse where Baruch is asked how he wrote the words given to him, it is important to understand the significance of the source of these words. In this context, the words were spoken "at his mouth," referring to the mouth of Jeremiah, the prophet. This highlights the belief that the words written by Baruch were not of his own making, but came directly from God through the prophet Jeremiah. This demonstrates the concept of divine inspiration, where human agents are used by God to convey His messages to the people. The act of writing down these words faithfully and accurately further emphasizes the importance of preserving and transmitting God's message to future generations.

Looking at the word "mouth" in this verse can provide additional insight. In Hebrew culture, the mouth was seen as the instrument through which words of wisdom and authority were spoken. Therefore, the phrase "at his mouth" signifies that the words written by Baruch were not of his own creation, but originated from the divine wisdom and authority of God through the prophet Jeremiah. This underscores the trust placed in Jeremiah as a messenger of God and the importance of faithfully transmitting his message without alteration or omission.