In the right situation, fire can be comforting. It gives warmth on a cold day, light in the darkness, and it helps cook food or power the tools we rely on.
But in the wrong context, fire can be terrifying and destructive. You certainly don’t want it near your home or possessions during dry season as it it can have devastating consequences.
So what does this have to do with you and me?
In the book of Jeremiah, fire is mentioned multiple times—and in at least two chapters, it serves as a powerful symbol to challenge how we respond to God’s will, especially when doing so is difficult.
Context of the Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah, often called the weeping prophet, prophesied from 626 to 586 BC. In his forty-year effort he worded diligently to get the kingdom of Judah to repent and avoid God’s judgment. Despite his obedience and the fulfillment of his prophecies, he was:
- Mocked
- Hated
- Beaten
- Imprisoned
- Thrown into stocks
- Left to die in a muddy cistern
In addition to these difficulties, Jeremiah had no wife or children to support him in his many struggles. He had real reasons to weep, but he still had an important job to do.
Event 1: Fire to Destroy God’s Word (Jeremiah 36)
In Jeremiah 36, about 22 years into his ministry, God commands Jeremiah to write down all the words He had spoken concerning Israel, Judah, and the nations. This includes words of warning, judgment, and gracious opportunities to repent (vv. 1–3).
Jeremiah obeys God and dictates the scroll to Baruch. Since Jeremiah is shut out of the temple, Baruch reads the scroll aloud to the people (vv. 5–10). Afterward, the scroll’s contents are reported to the king’s officialstwice (vv. 11–15). They’re alarmed by the message and know they must report it to the king. But knowing the king’s likely reaction, they warn Baruch and Jeremiah: “Go, hide yourselves… and don’t let anyone know where you are.” (v. 19)
When the scroll is read to King Jehoiakim in his winter house (vv. 20–22), something shocking happens. After just three or four columns are read, the king takes a knife, cuts up the scroll, and throws it into the fire—until every word of God is burned (v. 23).
Then, as expected, he sends men to capture Baruch and Jeremiah (v. 26).
This is the first fire—an attempt to destroy the Word of God. Jehoiakim’s response was a clear rejection of God’s will. But it didn’t work. God simply had Jeremiah rewrite the scroll—this time with additional pronouncements of judgment against Jehoiakim and his family (vv. 27–32).
Personal Application: Beware the Fire of Rejection
We must be careful not to follow Jehoiakim’s example. Some today attempt to “burn” parts of God’s word they dislike:
- Dismissing commands as outdated
- Denying the reality of hell
- Redefining morality to fit cultural norms
But rejecting God’s Word doesn’t erase it—it only removes us from its protection. When we cut away what we don’t like, we expose ourselves to the chaos and consequences that truth was meant to guard us from in this life—and we risk eternal separation from God in the next (cf. Revelation 22:19).
Event 2: Fire Within the Prophet (Jeremiah 20)
In Jeremiah 20, which likely occurred earlier, Pashhur, the priest and chief officer in the temple, hears Jeremiah prophesying and has him beaten and put in stocks (vv. 1–2).
The next day, Jeremiah delivers a stinging message:
“The Lord has not called your name Pashhur, but rather Magor-missabib”—terror on every side (v. 3). He then proclaims coming punishment on Pashhur and Judah (vv. 4–6).
This is followed by a raw and emotional passage. Some translations say Jeremiah accuses God of deception, but that’s inconsistent with God’s character. The American Standard Version better reflects the intent:
“Thou hast persuaded me, and I was persuaded.”
Jeremiah didn’t accuse God of trickery—he acknowledged that God had won his reluctant heart back in chapter 1, persuading him to take on a prophet’s difficult calling.
Jeremiah laments the cost of preaching. Every time he speaks, he suffers (vv. 7–8). Yet he says something incredible: “But if I say, ‘I will not remember Him or speak anymore in His name,’ then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I am weary of holding it in, and I cannot endure it.” (v. 9)
This is the second fire—an internal fire. God’s word is like fire in his bones, and even in the face of suffering, Jeremiah cannot stay silent.
Personal Application: A Fire We All Need
You might question whether Jeremiah’s fire was worth it—after all, he was persecuted, and the people largely ignored him. That’s a fair question.
But if we have a fire for proclaiming God’s Word like Jeremiah did, it can:
- Save our souls
- Potentially lead others to salvation (cf. 1 Timothy 4:16)
Even if no one else listens, your labor is not in vain (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:58). Jeremiah knew that God was on his side, and I have no doubt he will be in heaven (cf. Hebrews 11:36–40). We can and should be comforted to know that God rewards the faithful.
Final Challenge
May we all avoid being like Jehoiakim, who tried to destroy God’s difficult word. Instead, may we be like Jeremiah, who endured hardship and remained faithful, even when he saw no earthly reward.
God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Is God’s Word a fire in your bones—or something you’re trying to put out?
