Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJeremiah 45

Jeremiah's Address to BaruchThis short chapter is Jeremiah’s message to Baruch, his faithful scribe. Baruch had helped Jeremiah write down the prophecies and had suffered because of it. When Baruch was afraid and discouraged because of threats and disappointments, God noticed his feelings and gave him a personal message. The Lord gently corrected Baruch’s attitude and encouraged him to trust in God’s care, even when things were difficult.v. 1–3: Baruch had been troubled and anxious while serving Jeremiah. He cried out, “Woe is me now! for the Lord

v. 4–5: God told Jeremiah to speak to Baruch. God reminded Baruch not to seek great things for himself at a time when the nation was being destroyed. God said, “Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not” (Jeremiah 45:5 ). Since God was tearing down and uprooting the whole land, it was not the time to look for personal success or comfort. Baruch needed to adjust his expectations and focus on serving faithfully, not on becoming important or wealthy.

God promised Baruch that even though times would be hard, his life would be spared wherever he went. His life would be “given…for a prey,” meaning he would escape with his life even when others around him faced disaster. This was God’s way of encouraging Baruch to value God’s protection and mercy instead of chasing after worldly success (Jeremiah 45:5 ).