Jeremiah 36:21
So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe's chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king.
Jeremiah 36:21 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, we see King Jehoiakim of Judah sending Jehudi to retrieve a scroll containing a message from the prophet Jeremiah. Elishama the scribe had written down the words of Jeremiah on this scroll. Jehudi read the message aloud in the presence of the king and all his officials. The content of the scroll was a warning from the Lord to the people of Judah, urging them to repent of their sins and turn back to God. This verse highlights the importance of delivering God's message to those in authority, even if the message may be difficult to hear. It also emphasizes the role of scribes like Elishama in preserving and transmitting the words of the prophets. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the need for obedience to God's commands and the consequences of ignoring His warnings.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see the king sending Jehudi to retrieve a scroll, which was taken from Elishama the scribe's chamber. Jehudi then reads the scroll in the presence of the king and all the princes. This passage highlights the importance of the written word in biblical times. The act of retrieving and reading the scroll symbolizes the authority and significance of God's message to His people. The role of the scribe, Elishama, in keeping and preserving the scroll reflects the value placed on scripture and the responsibility of those who copy and protect it. The reading of the scroll to the king and princes signifies the need for leaders to hear and understand the Word of God for guidance and direction in their rule. Overall, this verse emphasizes the power and impact of God's word on both individuals and communities, reinforcing the idea of scripture as a vital source of wisdom and truth for all believers.
Jeremiah 36:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll; and he took it out of the chamber of Elishama the scribe. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes that stood beside the king.
World English Bible
So the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll; and he took it out of the room of Elishama the scribe. Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes who stood beside the king.
Douay-Rheims
And the king sent Judi that he should take the volume: who bringing it out of the chamber of Elisama the scribe, read it in the hearing of the king, and of all the princes that stood about the king.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So the King sent Iehudi to fet the roule, and he tooke it out of Elishama the Chancellours chamber, and Iehudi read it in the audience of the King, and in the audience of all the princes, which stoode beside the King.