1. In the fourth year that Jehoiakim was king of Judah, Baruch wrote down everything I had told him.
2. Then later, the Lord God of Israel told me to say to Baruch:
3. You are moaning and blaming me, the Lord, for your troubles and sorrow, and for being so tired that you can't even rest.
4. But all over the earth I am tearing down what I built and pulling up what I planted.
5. I am bringing disaster everywhere, so don't even think about making any big plans for yourself. However, I promise that wherever you go, I will at least protect you from death. I, the Lord, have spoken.