1. During the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king in Judah, the lord gave this message to Jeremiah:
2. “Get a scroll, and write down all my messages against Israel, Judah, and the other nations. Begin with the first message back in the days of Josiah, and write down every message, right up to the present time.
3. Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again all the terrible things I have planned for them. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings.”
4. So Jeremiah sent for Baruch son of Neriah, and as Jeremiah dictated all the prophecies that the lord had given him, Baruch wrote them on a scroll.
5. Then Jeremiah said to Baruch, “I am a prisoner here and unable to go to the Temple.
6. So you go to the Temple on the next day of fasting, and read the messages from the lord that I have had you write on this scroll. Read them so the people who are there from all over Judah will hear them.
7. Perhaps even yet they will turn from their evil ways and ask the lord’s forgiveness before it is too late. For the lord has threatened them with his terrible anger.”