[1] This is the message the prophet Jeremiah gave to his secretary, Baruch (son of Neriah) when he had written on a scroll all the words Jeremiah dictated to him. It took place when Jehoiakim (son of Josiah) had been king of Judah for four years. [2] Jeremiah (to Baruch): The Eternal, the God of Israel, has given me a message for you, Baruch. [3] He heard you when you cried out, "Oh my, what pain I am in! As if I weren't hurting enough, the Eternal has piled on even more sorrow. I am so tired from groaning; I can find no rest." [4] And so the Eternal has given me this message for you: "Hear Me, Baruch, for I tell you I am about to upend what I have built and uproot what I have planted in this land, in the whole land. [5] Should you worry about achieving personal greatness? No, do not chase after such a dream! But take comfort that when I bring this disaster on all people, I will reward you by sparing your life. I promise to protect you wherever you go.
