Jeremiah 45:1-5--Message to Baruch

Jeremiah 45
English Standard Version

Message to Baruch
45 The word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a book at the dictation of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: 2 “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: 3 You said, ‘Woe is me! For the LORD has added sorrow to my pain. I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.’ 4 Thus shall you say to him, Thus says the LORD: Behold, what I have built I am breaking down, and what I have planted I am plucking up—that is, the whole land. 5 And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the :LORD. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go.”

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It seems that Baruch was acting as a scribe for Jeremiah in his later years.  However, the LORD has some words for Baruch because he is playing the victim.  The judgment of the LORD was coming upon all of Israel and Judah--it was not targeted specifically towards him, yet he was not exempt from it either.  The LORD was going to tear down the whole Land (by way of the Babylonians and some others) so that it could be rebuilt.  However, the LORD knew Baruch's heart and that he was selfish and self-centered.  He could not see what the LORD was doing for the people and the nation because he was too concerned on his life being difficult and painful (are we that different?).  He wanted great things for himself (probably similar to people who believe they are entitled to money, health and happiness--the LORD promises none of that).  The LORD through His prophet Jeremiah tells Baruch not to seek after any of those things that are perishable.  If Baruch will seek the LORD like Jeremiah, then his life will also be saved from the coming time when the LORD would destroy all the rebels.  He too can be a part of the remnant.  The LORD would keep him safe wherever he chooses to go.