[1] The prophet Jeremiah spoke to Baruch son of Neriah while he was writing down in a scroll the words that Jeremiah spoke to him. (This happened in the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was ruling over Judah.) [2] Jeremiah said, "The LORD God of Israel has a message for you, Baruch. [3] 'You have said, "I feel so hopeless! For the LORD has added sorrow to my suffering. I am worn out from groaning. I can't find any rest."'" [4] The LORD told Jeremiah, "Tell Baruch, 'The LORD says, "I am about to tear down what I have built and to uproot what I have planted. I will do this throughout the whole earth. [5] Are you looking for great things for yourself? Do not look for such things. For I, the LORD, affirm that I am about to bring disaster on all humanity. But I will allow you to escape with your life wherever you go."'"
