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Jeremiah, and it is in this context that Baruch is again mentioned.—Jeremiah 39:2, 8; 40:5;
41:1, 2; 42:13-17.
The Jewish leaders told Jeremiah: “It is a falsehood that you are speaking. Jehovah our
God has not sent you, saying, ‘Do not enter into Egypt to reside there as aliens.’ But Baruch
the son of Neriah is instigating you against us for the purpose of giving us into the hand of the
Chaldeans, to put us to death or to take us into exile in Babylon.” (Jeremiah 43:2, 3) The
accusation seems to reveal a belief among the Jewish leaders that Baruch exerted
considerable influence over Jeremiah. Did they believe that because of Baruch’s position or
his long-standing friendship with Jeremiah, he was acting as more than a mere scribe for the
prophet? Perhaps, but whatever the Jewish leaders thought, the message did come from
Jehovah.
Despite divine warnings, the remaining Jews departed and took “Jeremiah the prophet and
Baruch the son of Neriah” with them. Jeremiah recorded: “They finally came into the land of
Egypt, for they did not obey the voice of Jehovah; and they came gradually as far as
Tahpanhes,” a frontier city in the eastern Nile delta, bordering Sinai. At that, Baruch
disappears from the Bible account.—Jeremiah 43:5-7.
What Can We Learn From Baruch?
There are many valuable lessons we can learn from Baruch. One outstanding lesson is his
willingness to use in Jehovah’s service his professional skills and contacts, regardless of the
consequences. Many of Jehovah’s Witnesses today—men and women—show the same
spirit, offering their skills in connection with Bethel service, construction work, and the like.
How can you show this Baruchlike spirit?
When Baruch was reminded that during the last days of Judah, there was no time for
personal “great things,” he evidently responded in a positive way, for he did receive his soul
as a spoil. It is reasonable to apply this counsel to ourselves, as we too live in the last days of
a system of things. Jehovah’s promise to us is the same—our life will be spared. Can we
respond to such reminders as Baruch did?
There is also a practical lesson to be learned from this story. Baruch helped Jeremiah and
his cousin to go through the necessary legal procedures in their business dealing, even
though the two men were relatives. This serves as a Scriptural precedent for Christians who
have business dealings with their spiritual brothers and sisters. It is Scriptural, practical, and
loving to follow this example of putting business agreements in writing.
Although Baruch appears only briefly in the Bible, he is worthy of note by all Christians
today. Will you imitate the fine example of this faithful secretary of Jeremiah?
5. In describing the justified retribution to come upon Edom, why
does Jehovah contrast himself with “grape gatherers” and
“thieves”?
(Jer 49: 9,10) If grape gatherers themselves actually came in to you, would they not let
some gleanings remain? If thieves [came in] by night, they would certainly cause only as
much ruin as they wanted. 10 But as for me, I will strip E′sau bare. I will uncover his places of
concealment, and one will not be able to hide oneself. His offspring and his brothers and his
neighbors will certainly be despoiled, and he will not be.