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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 36 - Verse 23

36:23
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.

Meaning

When Jehudi read from the scroll, he cut it with a penknife and threw it into the fire until the entire scroll was consumed in flames. This act symbolizes the destruction and rejection of God's message by the people of Judah during this time. The burning of the scroll represents the people's disregard for God's word and their rebellion against His commands. It also serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and His teachings. By destroying the scroll, Jehudi and the people were essentially rejecting God's authority and guidance, leading them further away from His protection and blessings. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying faithful and obedient to God's word, lest we face the same fate as those who rejected it in ancient times.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse describing Jehudi cutting up and burning the scroll in the Book of Jeremiah, it is essential to understand the significance of the act. This action symbolizes a complete rejection of God's word and a blatant disregard for the message contained within the scroll. By destroying the scroll, Jehudi is demonstrating a lack of respect for the authority and truth of God's message. Furthermore, the use of a penknife to cut up the scroll emphasizes the deliberate and calculated nature of this act of defiance. The act of burning the scroll over the fire further emphasizes the finality and irreversibility of this rejection. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring or disobeying God's word, and the destruction that can come from turning away from divine instruction.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, that [the king] cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier.
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